Footballer | Social Activist | Global Speaker
Farkhunda Muhtaj
Farkhunda Muhtaj is an Afghan-Canadian football luminary and social activist who unites the worlds of sport, education and humanitarianism with her indomitable spirit. A beacon of resilience and leadership, she is crafting a legacy of positive change, emphasizing the intersectionality of sports, education, women’s rights and social justice.
Farkhunda is Captain of the Afghanistan Women’s National Football Team and currently competes in the Dutch Eredevisie for Fortuna Sittard Vrouwen. Her social activism work champions gender equality, anti-racism education, refugee and newcomer support and humanitarian relief through sport and physical wellness initiatives. Muhtaj is the Co-Founder and Director of the Scarborough Simbas, a non-profit organization that uses sport to help ease the settlement journey of refugees and newcomers to Canada.
“I strive to be a catalyst for positive change both on and off the field. My mission is to inspire others to join me in creating a more equitable and compassionate world through the power of sport where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
Off the pitch, Farkhunda is the Director of Conscience and Culture at Respect Group, and an ambassador for UNHCR Netherlands, Common Goal, Penny Appeal Canada, and Women for Women International. Muhtaj also serves on the Canadian Child Rights in Sports Advisory Committee and Board of League 1 Ontario Women’s Soccer. Farkhunda’s instrumental role in the evacuation of the Afghanistan Youth National Team in 2021 was highlighted in ‘We Are Ayenda’ - a documentary presented by WhatsApp, as well as 'AYENDA' a documentary presented by MSNBC and Executive Produced by Rashida Jones and Trevor Noah.
A prolific and sought-after speaker, Farkhunda brings her voice to stages and spaces around the world to speak on Global Active Citizenship, the Transformational Power of Sport and Capacity Building, Leadership in Time of Crisis, Growth Mindset, Women & Refugee Rights, and more. Named a Top 30 Under 30 Alumni by her alma-mater York University, Farkhunda has been featured in the BBC, CBC, AP News, NPR, Al Jazeera, People Magazine, Elle Magazine and more.
Awards & Recognition
Farkhunda’s work and advocacy has been recognized by organizations around the world, a true testament to her impact and voice.
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FIFA-UEFA Women in Football Leadership Development Programme, Switzerland
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Canadian Ambassador for a Day, Lisbon, Portugal
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York University Top 30 Alumni Under 30
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Canadian Premier League (CPL) - Volkswagen Starting XI Game changer Award
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Canadian Council of Muslim Women - Women Who Inspire Award
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Community Leadership Award Office of the Mayor, City of Clarington
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Canadian Afghan Sport Association Community Leadership Award
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U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian Award
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OUA All-Star
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Mary Lyons Excellence Award
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York U Sports Excellence Award
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York U Athletic Scholarship