International Women's Day 2026: Who Is a Woman?

What does it mean to be a woman in a world where, in some places, even the most basic freedoms—education, work, sports, and speaking in public—are denied?

Afghan Poet, writer, and speaker Marzia Sadat reflects on the meaning of womanhood through the lens of her own experience and the ongoing struggles of women in Afghanistan. While much of the world celebrates progress, millions of Afghan women remain banned from schools, workplaces, sports, and public life simply because they are women.

She also shares a poem that reflects on the question "Who is a woman?"—describing the strength, dignity, resilience, and humanity that define women beyond the restrictions placed upon them.

Marzia speaks about the courage and resilience of Afghan women who continue to resist silence, and she also expresses solidarity with the women and men in Iran who are bravely standing up for dignity, freedom, and human rights.

Recorded just before March 8th—which is also Marzia's birthday—this episode is both personal and global. It is a reflection on identity, resilience, and hope for a future where every woman, everywhere, has the freedom to learn, speak, work, and live with dignity.

Follow Marzia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.marziasadat

SoapBox gives the mic to citizens of the Pikes Peak region to share their opinions. If you want to be on the SoapBox, call us at 719-203-1660 or email us.