Afghan Education Activist Matiullah Wesa Wins 2026 Liberty Prize
Afghan education activist Matiullah Wesa, founder and head of the Pen Path Organization, has won the prestigious 2026 Liberty Prize awarded by the University of Normandy in France.
According to the organizers, Wesa secured first place in the eighth edition of the award after receiving nearly 18,000 online votes from participants across 75 countries.
The Liberty Prize is jointly organized each year by the University of Normandy and the International Institute for Human Rights and Peace. The award recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the defense of freedom, human rights, and social justice.
Wesa is widely recognized for his advocacy for education in Afghanistan, particularly for girls’ access to schooling. In 2023, he was detained by the Taliban over his educational activities and spent seven months in prison before being released.
He founded the Pen Path Organization, a grassroots initiative supported by thousands of volunteers working to expand access to education across Afghanistan, especially in remote and underserved communities. The organization has been particularly active in promoting girls’ right to education following restrictions imposed on female students.
Last year, Wesa was also awarded an international anti-corruption prize by Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in recognition of his role in youth participation and civic engagement.
