The Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan (RAWA) honored the memory of Meena on the 38th anniversary of her martyrdom. The event took place in one of Afghanistan’s provinces under strict security conditions, as the bloodthirsty Taliban relentlessly seek to silence the voices of women’s resistance and protest. The venue was decorated with images of the martyred Meena, other courageous women, and banners bearing powerful slogans. One banner featured a photo of Palestinian activist Khalida Jarrar, while another displayed images of two political prisoners in Iran with the slogan: “We stand with Varisheh Moradi and Pakhshan Azizi! No to the execution of revolutionary women!”
The event began with the host expressing gratitude to guests who had traveled from distant provinces to attend. The attendees then observed a moment of silence in honor of Meena and all revolutionary women who had sacrificed their lives. The host reminded the audience that although Meena, the fearless and visionary leader, was lost just ten years after founding RAWA, her legacy remains unshaken. Despite her short life, she laid such a solid foundation for Afghanistan’s first political organization for women that no storm has been able to dismantle it. The life of Meena is full of lessons to be learned. Then, recalling memories, she refers to the strong will and hard work of martyr Meenna, including a part of the note "The Last Meeting" written by one of Meena’s comrades about their meeting just one day before her martyrdom. It is described as follows:
"When Meena entered my accommodation on February 3rd around 9 p.m., we had a warm and energetic conversation. The grief of losing her husband and such a comrade was evident on her face during our first meeting. She spoke about the way her husband’s ‘lamp of life’ was extinguished. The tone of Meena’s voice was filled with pain, calm, and composed. She didn’t shed a tear until the end, but the immense sorrow was clearly visible on her face. Meena’s strength became even more vivid and polished in my mind when she spoke about her future duties and the difficult matters ahead of her."
The host continued that despite the excruciating pain of losing Meena, the thoughts and practical teachings of her life remain steadfast. RAWA continues to fly Meena's proud flag and has become a voice that, whenever there is a protest against the jihadi and Taliban criminals, all enemies tremble and say, "This is RAWA's act." The sword of RAWA inspired by Meena's ideology and practical steps, remains sharp. As rightly stated by most readers of the magazine "Message of Women" regarding her firm stance against the bloodthirsty jihadist leaders, "Oh, you have stolen our hearts!" The revelations and precise analyses of the evil nature of fundamentalist reactionary and jihadist fascism raised the cries of hyenas like Sayyaf and Atta Mohmmad Noor (well-known warlords). Now, the Taliban consider women their first and most dangerous enemies, tightening the chains of oppression on their wrists and ankles every day.
The host then continued:
“We must learn from the heroic men and women of Palestine—this land of suffering and defiance. A grieving Palestinian mother, who lost her children, speaks on behalf of her brave people: ‘We have plenty of white cloth for shrouds, but none to wave as a flag of surrender!’
Yes! Palestine has not bowed in submission, and finally, the occupying Zionist regime of Israel and its allies, out of necessity and humiliation, have agreed to a ceasefire. And now, the bloodthirsty Israeli regime, with the support of its American masters, has turned eastward and attacked the West Bank. It is certain that they will be shamed there as well.
Like revolutionary Meena, Palestine has its Khalida Jarrars, Leila Khaleds, and countless unknown lionhearted women. Khalida Jarrar, a member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, has endured multiple imprisonments and torture at the hands of the Israeli regime, becoming a symbol of resistance and unwavering defiance. We must take inspiration from the struggles of women in Iran, Palestine, Kurdistan, India, Latin America, and other nations fighting oppression to continue our relentless battle against fundamentalist fascism and its imperialist masters.”
A RAWA member delivered a speech analyzing the current political situation and Meena’s enduring legacy:
“At just 23 years old, Meena founded the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan. She understood that Afghan women, crushed under oppression, poverty, violence, gender discrimination, and feudal patriarchy, had the potential for immense courage and resistance. If awakened and organized, they could play a decisive role in transforming society.
Meena, as a revolutionary and committed woman, had reached a deep political awareness and felt her mission towards the women of her captive homeland with all her being. For this reason, she resolutely and selflessly worked towards the enlightenment and organization of women, and nothing could be considered more serious or important than this valuable goal.
Meena taught us that under no circumstances should our voices be silenced, and that we must use every opportunity and means to enlighten and mobilize women, striking a blow to the enemy and disturbing their peace. Meena’s legacy for her comrades is the banner of independence, freedom, democracy, and social justice, which must never fall to the ground for even a moment...”
The speaker, continuing with a focus on the criminal policies of the United States over the past decades and the role of traitors and sellouts in the country, reminded the audience:
"...Three years ago, the United States appointed its reactionary and bloodthirsty mercenaries, the Taliban, instead of the corrupt regimes of Karzai and Ghani. This group is fundamentally tied to suicide, terrorism, murder, and extrajudicial executions, along with anti-woman and wicked ideologies.
During the years of appeasement and submission to the Taliban, sellout women and men such as Habiba Sarabi, Jamila Afghani, Malalai Shinwari, Mari Akrami, Hamdullah Mohib, Abdullah Abdullah, and Hamid Karzai referred to them as 'disgruntled brothers,' 'changed,' 'modern,' and even mafia-linked Fawzia Koofi propagated that the Taliban had 'good plans for women.'
Simultaneously, the U.S. and the West showered praise on these jihadi traitors and republicans, who, when necessary, would once again impose these slaves under the leadership of someone like Ahmad Massoud on our people. The people of Afghanistan, who remember their shameful history, can only create the power to defeat the Taliban and establish a democratic government based on secularism through unity and struggle within Afghanistan. Otherwise, they will forever be victims of the colonial policies of the U.S. and the West.
Despite the suffocating atmosphere created by the Taliban, the role of RAWA in raising awareness among women over the past three years has been invaluable. The first cries against the murderous Taliban were raised by women, who poured into the streets and, despite the risk of imprisonment, torture, death, and repression, launched widespread and continuous protests using every available means."
Throughout the event, poems in Persian and Pashto, written by RAWA supporters and members, were recited, along with revolutionary songs from Afghanistan and around the world. A particularly moving moment was the live performance of the song “Hamwatan” (Homeland), which, despite being composed years ago, still resonates deeply with the ongoing pain and struggles of the Afghan people.
A special video was also screened, featuring a Korean singer, Hye-Kyung Ahn, performing a musical adaptation of Meena’s poem “I Will Never Return” in English.
On the anniversary of the martyrdom of Meena, the leader and founder of RAWA, messages were received from prominent personalities and progressive forces from several countries, emphasizing continued active and committed alignment with the just struggle of our people and solidarity and support for the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan. A summary of several messages was presented by three members of RAWA.
The event concluded with the host leading the attendees in a solemn pledge to uphold Meena’s mission, fight for freedom, democracy, and social justice, and keep the revolutionary torch burning. The gathering stood together as the youth of RAWA performed the anthem “Women, Rise Up!”—a powerful reminder that the battle is far from over.