Farangis Yalda Sawgand

Farangis Yalda Sawgand is a distinguished Afghan poet, writer, and women’s rights activist with over two decades of experience in culture, politics, and human rights. She holds a degree in Law and Political Science and has been an influential voice advocating for justice, freedom of expression, and the rights of women.

She previously served as a member of the Provincial Council of Balkh and as a member of the Youth Congress (Youth Parliament) in Kabul, contributing to political participation and youth engagement in Afghanistan. In addition, she worked for six years as a journalist with the German Bundeswehr in Mazar-e-Sharif, gaining extensive experience in media and communication.

Sawgand is the founder of two cultural and legal institutions in Afghanistan and is an active member of PEN Afghanistan, PEN Germany, and the Writers’ Association of Balkh. She also serves as a jury member at Literaturhaus Schleswig-Holstein for the Young Literature Prize and is a co-founder of the Afghanischer Stammtisch in Kiel, Germany.

Currently based in Kiel, Germany, she continues her advocacy work and has co-founded an organization dedicated to defending the rights of women in Afghanistan. Her literary work, especially her poetry, has received numerous awards and recognitions, reflecting her deep commitment to literature and social justice.