Our next guest has been fighting for equality and justice for most of her life. Dr. Seema Sammar has made a name for herself across Afghanistan and the world as an educator of the marginalized and defender of human rights. She details her inspiring journey as a medical doctor, public official, Nobel Peace Prize nominee, and a thorn in the side of the Taliban. In her memoir, Outspoken: My Fight for Freedom and Human Rights in Afghanistan. Dr. Seema Sammar is joining us Well, welcome to Prime. So great to see you.

Thank you so much. Thank you for having me.

Absolutely. You've stated the spotlight as a lifelong advocate for girls and women, equality and justice. Why did you decide now was the time to finally share your story in this book, which I have right here?

Yes. Thank you so much for having the book, and thank you for asking this question. Well, I was busy before that, so I thought that this is the time to write the book. It was after the collapse of the regime, I am forced to stay in the US, and I had time. I would like to also thank the Harvard University and also Fletcher School at Tufts University, who gave me the possibility and facilitate that I was able to write that book. I wanted to do that because I wanted the young girls in Afghanistan to know that everything is possible. It's not impossible. If they have commitment, they can do and reach to the dream that they have.

Now, since the late 1970s, you've been resistant to the dangerous regimes that plagued your home country. You lost your husband, you I'm sorry about that, and other members of his family. But despite that, you have continued to evolve into a force and advocate for the oppressed. How did it feel reflecting on everything that you've done over the last couple of decades?

Yeah, it was not easy. It was quite difficult, and it's still very difficult. But when I look back that I had some family, some women who survived because of my... When I was practicing health, and also I see the girls and the young boys who got educated, and they were able to go to the schools that I established, it gives me more courage to continue that. I have to say also that I'm proudly saying that was at least behind the whole introduction of human rights in my country in Afghanistan. I also wanted to say that Afghanistan is not only what media portray.

You mentioned courage. You had so much courage. Does looking back on all of this also help you look forward at what you still want to accomplish?

Yes, I think it is. As I said, that I'm happy that I was able to promote human rights and protect human rights in Afghanistan during the last 20 years. But I keep saying that the knowledge that I give to the people, the awareness that I give to the human rights to them, and that is something that I'm so hopeful. No matter how dark is the night, the sun will come up next morning and it will be dawn. So hopefully that will be also in Afghanistan. And I also want to say that, unfortunately, Afghanistan is a collective collective failure of Afghan people, Afghan government, and also the international community. And there's an obligation of all of us to promote and protect human rights in Afghanistan, and particularly women's rights in the country.

And you've done so much for women and girls through your organization, Shahada. You're also the chair of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission. From 2002 to 2019, you were the chair. You not only introduced the concept of human rights to your people, but you sought accountability equality and justice from those who violated them. What is the current state of affairs in the country for women and girls? Do you see yourself going back at some point?

I'm dreaming to go back as soon as the situation permit. Yes, I think, unfortunately, it's a devastating situation of human rights in the country. In humanitarian situation is really, really dire. I think that The continuation of the culture of impunity is very, very common in Afghanistan. The previous government collapsed because what we did in the Bonn Agreement after 9/11, we put the road map for the future of Afghanistan, for a new beginning for Afghanistan. But what was missing was accountability in justice for violation of human rights in Commission of War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity. It continuing to use, unfortunately.

Thank you so much for your time tonight. You can learn more about her incredible story in her memoir, Outspoken: My Fight for Freedom and Human Rights in Afghanistan. Available wherever books are sold.

Hi, everyone. George Stephanopouls here. Thanks for checking out the ABC News YouTube channel. If you'd like to get more videos, show highlights, and watch live event coverage, click on the right over here to subscribe to our channel. Don't forget to download the ABC News app for breaking news alerts. Thanks for watching.