How to Take Action Without Knowing the Way | Farkhunda Muhtaj | TEDxLitte lran Women

Farkhunda Muhtaj, an Afghan immigrant, professional footballer and leader, reflects on how to keep moving forward when plans change and the path ahead is unclear. Drawing on her experience, including helping lead the evacuation of more than 300 Afghans after the fall of Kabul in 2021, the talk looks at adapting to uncertainty and taking action without knowing the outcome. She is the co-founder of Scarborough Simbas, a non-profit that uses sport to support refugees and newcomers to Canada.

• Adapting when plans change and circumstances are beyond our control
• Helping lead the evacuation of more than 300 Afghans in 2021
• Using sport to support refugees and newcomers in Canada

Life rarely unfolds the way we expect it to. When faced with uncertainty, setbacks, or circumstances beyond our control, we may not have all the answers, but we can choose to keep moving forward. Drawing on Farkhunda Muhtaj’s experiences as an Afghan immigrant, professional footballer, and leader, including helping lead the evacuation of more than 300 Afghans following the fall of Kabul, this talk explores how we navigate moments when there is no clear path forward. Through her own journey, Farkhunda shares how we can adapt when plans change, find strength in the unknown, and take action even when we can’t see what lies ahead. Farkhunda is the co-founder of Scarborough Simbas, a non-profit organization that uses sport to help ease the settlement journey of refugees and newcomers to Canada. Farkhunda Captained the Afghanistan Women’s National Team and in 2021, after the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan, she helped lead the evacuation of more than 300 Afghans, including the Afghanistan Youth National Team. Her role in this mission was featured in We Are Ayenda, a Cannes Lions Grand Prix–winning documentary presented by WhatsApp. She is an ambassador for Right To Play Canada and a supporter of UNHCR Canada. She has served on many committees including the Canadian Child Rights in Sport Advisory Committee, Canada Soccer's Women's Development Advisory Committee, and the FIFA World Cup 2026 Toronto Sport, Physical Activity, Health & Wellness Program Advisory Body. Farkhunda holds two degrees from York University: a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Health Science and a Bachelor of Education. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx