Documentary on Zarqa Yaftali’s Work for Women’s Rights and Girls’ Education in Afghanistan Wins Silver Dolphin at Cannes
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The short documentary Education of Hope in Afghanistan: The Story of Zarqa, which chronicles Zarqa Yaftali’s efforts to defend women’s rights and expand access to education for girls in Afghanistan, has won the Silver Dolphin Award at the 2026 Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards in France.
According to the festival’s official list of winners, the documentary received the Silver Dolphin in the Education and Work category under the Documentaries and Reports section. The awards ceremony, held on September 24, is part of an international festival that operates independently of the Cannes Film Festival.
Produced in collaboration with People production company and supported by the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, the documentary highlights Yaftali’s work to defend girls’ right to education and challenge discrimination against women in Afghanistan.
Zarqa Yaftali, Executive Director of the Women and Children Research and Advocacy Network, is a prominent advocate for women’s rights in Afghanistan. She received the United Nations N-Peace Award in 2019 and the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity in 2026.
The recognition comes amid growing concerns over the detention of staff members from the organization under Yaftali’s leadership. According to Amu TV, five of the six detained staff members were released after 68 days in custody, while Abdul Matin Hakimi remained detained. The World Organisation Against Torture also confirmed on October 5 that Hakimi was still in Taliban custody.
Yaftali dedicated the award to everyone working for freedom, justice, equality, and girls’ right to education in Afghanistan. She emphasized that the voices of women in Afghanistan would not be silenced.
The documentary’s recognition comes as girls in Afghanistan remain barred from education beyond Grade 6, while women continue to be prohibited from attending universities. These restrictions were imposed by the Taliban after their return to power in August 2021.
Published by Deeyar Media
