Under the Sisterhood
Under the Sisterhood podcast is one of our key storysharing platforms, celebrating the journeys of women as leaders, changemakers, and advocates in women’s health, mental wellness, and overall well-being. Host Elizabeth Elfenbein engages with women aged 18 to 100+ in intimate conversations, uncovering their experiences and wisdom while highlighting their impact on creating a healthier, more inclusive world. These stories not only honor women’s resilience and leadership but also foster meaningful dialogue around mental health, empowerment, and innovative solutions that help close the gender health gap and inspire change.
Seasons & Special Editions:
- Season 1: Being a Woman in Today’s World
- Season 2: Women’s March of Voices
- Season 3: Women Making the World Healthier
- Special Editions: Under the Hood Vlogs, Women Investing in Women’s Health, Women Making History
- Season 4: Women’s March for Mental Wellness
The Under the Sisterhood podcast is a tribute to the strength and impact of women leading the way in fostering change. With podcast producer Matt Butler and music by Ayla Schafer, Elizabeth Elfenbein creates a space where women are seen, heard, and celebrated, driving deeper connections and inspiring action through the power of storysharing.
Under the Sisterhood
Zarifa Ghafari Sister of the Year for Women's Rights
Today we’re honoring Zarifa Ghafari our Sister of the Year in Women’s Rights. She’s a mother, daughter, sister, women’s advocate, human rights activist, author, Netflix documentarian and the former Mayor of Maidan Shahr in Afghanistan.
Zarifa Ghafari was one of the few Afghan female mayors and was also the youngest to be appointed, at the age of 24. She is known for her efforts to advance women's rights in Afghanistan. Zarifa was chosen as an International Woman of Courage in 2020 by the US Secretary of State. And received the 2022 International Women's Rights Award at the United Nations Geneva Summit. She was included by the BBC in the list of 100 inspiring and influential women from around the world for 2019. And she was included in The Badass 50 list. In 2020, she received the award: “Women Who Can Change the World by InStyle.”
Her book, Zarifa, A Woman’s Battle in a Man’s World is a poignant memoir and the inspiration for her Netflix documentary, In Her Hands.
Following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan’s government in mid-August 2021, Zarifa fled with her husband, mother, and five sisters. The German government granted her asylum, and she now resides in Germany.
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