Dr. Laila Ayoubi was born in Kabul, Afghanistan, a daughter of the Commanding General of the Afghan Royal Air Force. With the Soviet Invasion in 1979 her father was imprisoned. To avoid persecution and imprisonment themselves, Laila and her family fled to Pakistan. Later they immigrated to the United States where Laila earned two master’s degree, one which is from Indiana University. She continues to teach and lecture about women’s rights and equality especially in Afghanistan. Laila served on the diplomatic staff at the Afghan Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan from 2003 through 2006, participating in Afghanistan’s reconstruction program. While in Pakistan she received her Ph.D. Recently she has published the book Niki’s Honor.

In this video, Dr. Ayoubi shares her insights into the political climate of Afghanistan and the effect the treatment of women plays on the economy.