Full Breakdown
Sonita Alizadeh's 'Can Someone Find My Friends' Highlights Afghan Women's Struggles
4/17/2026, 11:57:43 PM
Overview of the Initiative
Afghan artist and activist Sonita Alizadeh has launched a powerful music video for her latest track, "Can Someone Find My Friends," aimed at raising awareness about the plight of Afghan women and girls who have been silenced under oppressive laws. Since 2024, 21 million women and girls in Afghanistan have faced legal prohibitions against speaking, singing, or laughing in public. In response, Alizadeh initiated a global call for "voice donations," encouraging individuals worldwide to lend their voices to amplify the message of resistance against gender apartheid.
Collaborative Choir and Production
The track is a product of the "Donate Your Voice" initiative, which originated from a collaborative choir launched on TikTok. This project, supported by UNICEF, transforms public participation into a movement advocating for the recognition of gender apartheid as a crime against humanity. The music video, directed by Jean-Charles Charavin, features a mix of voices collected from participants around the globe, creating a powerful choir that symbolizes solidarity with Afghan women. The production was facilitated by Publicis Conseil, alongside Prodigious, Publicis Media, and Publicis Consultants.
Artistic and Activist Goals
Alizadeh's music video serves both artistic and activist purposes. It begins with personal photographs from her childhood in Afghanistan, evoking memories of friends lost to forced marriage, violence, or femicide. The narrative transitions from personal isolation to a collective message of hope, showcasing the faces and voices of those who have joined her cause. Alizadeh stated, "If you live in a country with freedom of expression, you can use your voice for those who cannot. This is the beginning of the resistance."
Support and Funding
The initiative is bolstered by the AXA Fund for Human Progress, which focuses on improving women's conditions and defending their rights globally. Ulrike Decoene, AXA's group chief communications, brand, and sustainability officer, emphasized the company's commitment to protecting women from various risks and supporting projects like Alizadeh's. All funds raised through the music video will be donated to UNICEF's programs, which have been active in Afghanistan for nearly 80 years, supporting initiatives for young girls.
Broader Implications
The "Donate Your Voice" campaign aims to mobilize collective action, encouraging individuals to contribute by sharing the music video, donating their voices, or making financial contributions to UNICEF. This initiative not only seeks to raise awareness but also aims to transform online engagement into tangible support for Afghan women facing severe restrictions on their rights.
Verbatim Quotes
- "All over the world, as in Afghanistan, millions of women are silenced by the laws of their countries." — Sonita Alizadeh, Artist and Activist
- "Putting our creative strength at the service of such an essential cause is part of our responsibility." — Marco Venturelli, Global CCO/CEO Leo - CCO Publicis Groupe France
- "Her initiative helps bring the cause of women's rights across the globe." — Ulrike Decoene, AXA Group Chief Communications, Brand and Sustainability Officer
This initiative by Sonita Alizadeh not only highlights the struggles of Afghan women but also serves as a call to action for global solidarity and support.
