“I am indebted to my parents who have always been supportive of me in many ways. They put my education above their priorities in life.” Born in Herat, Afghanistan, Sakena Yacoobi obtained a BSc in Biological Sciences from the University of the Pacific, USA in the 1970s, and a Masters in Public Health from Loma […]
“I look with pride at the Afghan womens participation in the Presidential elections. This is an indication that our decades-long efforts have not been brought to naught.” Suraya Parlika was born in Kamari Village of Bagrami District in 1944 to an educated family. She completed her secondary education in 1962 at Zarghona High School. In […]
“Despite the challenges I have faced throughout my life and in my education career, I remained steadfast so that young girls would look at me and overcome their unfortunate conditions.” Bibi Naqi was born in 1928 in Kabul, Afghanistan and has a BA in Literature. Having worked as a teacher, headmistress and principal in many […]
“Peace is the continuation of life Peace is life.” Shereen Maira Sazawar, born in Afghanistan, is a talented journalist. She writes regularly in the local newspapers on issues concerning women and human rights. She is an active member of the Womens Council in Mazar-e-Sharif. For the past three decades Shereen has been active through the […]
“Women in Afghanistan are in exigent need of peace. I believe that once peace is achieved, they can get their full rights.” Malalai Joya (25) was born in Farah. She had her early schooling in Iran and Pakistan. After the Bonn Peace Accord of 2001 and the toppling of the Taliban regime, she returned to […]
“My main goal in education is to raise womens awareness to their rights and to involve them in social work side by side with men in Afghanistan.” Lawangina Khan was born in 1977 in Paktika province, Afghanistan, but she completed her early schooling in Islamabad, Pakistan. She has received training as a community health worker […]
“My goal in life is to advocate a non-violent community where boys and girls have equal rights and access to education. I endeavor to change the conservative culture of Paktia through education.” Born in the eastern province of Paktia in 1953, Halima Khazan was the only woman in the province to finish high school. Then, […]
“As an advocate of the womens rights movement in Afghanistan, I am very optimistic about the future of the country.” Born in 1939 in Kabul, Benazir Hotaki attended Malalai School in Kabul. After her graduation from high school, she traveled to Australia where she obtained a BA in Education from the University of Queensland. Upon […]
“With peace we can perceive the real concept of life.” For the past ten years Amma Sakina has worked on issues such as raising awareness of and campaigning against violations of women and human rights, and the eradication of all forms of discrimination. She works on grassroots as well as on organizational levels where she […]
“Peace is the environment of trust and confidence that people need in life.” For 23 years Amina Safi Afzali has fought for womens rights, beginning shortly after obtaining her BSc from Kabul University. When the Russians invaded Afghanistan, she fled to Iran and established a multi-purpose educational institution that fights illiteracy, enhances computer skills and […]
