Afghan Activist Mariam Wardak on Feminism, Fear, and Learning to Communicate

To say Mariam Wardak has an unusual life story is a bit of an understatement. Born to a family with a prominent legacy in Afghanistan. Raised as a boy by her father until the age of 3. School in America. And a short trip back to Kabul that ended up changing the course of her life. She's since played a major role in her country — from the National Security Council to founding Her Afghanistan, supporting Afghan women in everything from tech to peacebuilding. She tells us about the life lessons learned as a 15 year-old at tribal elder meetings in Afghanistan, her 'own brand' of feminism, finding the courage to walk away from things that look great on paper, and learning to communicate with the Taliban — and her husband.