Beyond Skin - You Killed God!

Afghan rap star and human rights activist Sonita Alizadeh leads a compelling discussion on the intersection of religious power, political extremism, and the systemic oppression of women.

The conversation expands beyond the regimes of countries like Afghanistan to examine the conduct of local men in civic leadership. It explores how those in positions of power can stir up hate and violence, specifically targeting women who have already fled war and persecution. Central to the discussion is a critique of the profound absence of compassion and peace—principles that should sit at the heart of all religions—in modern political and religious leadership.

About Sonita Alizadeh

As a child in Afghanistan, Sonita Alizadeh learned she was to be sold into marriage. Driven by this experience and the plight of the women around her, she turned to rap music as a vehicle for change. Today, Sonita uses her music and her platform to end child marriage and advocate for the rights of women and girls globally.

She is a renowned artist and human rights activist. In 2025, she released her book, Daughters for Sale. On International Women’s Day 2025, Sonita visited Belfast to perform with the Ulster Orchestra as part of the Afghan Women’s Solidarity Concert.

The title of this event is taken from Sonita’s music video, "You Killed God," a direct and defiant message to the Taliban.

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Host or Publisher Imagine! Belfast Festival of Ideas & Politics