Please tell us about the work you did to fight for women’s rights and empowerment in Afghanistan and why you joined Afghan Advantage.

For over ten years I have worked with national and international organizations in Afghanistan and the United States, focusing my career on expanding women’s access to education, leadership, and meaningful participation in their communities.

Before moving to the United States, I worked on the USAID-funded Musharikat Project, collaborating with civil society organizations, women’s groups, and activists across all 34 provinces of Afghanistan. I helped identify and address barriers preventing women from fully participating in society while advancing gender equality, civic engagement, and women’s leadership.

Growing up in Afghanistan, I witnessed firsthand the barriers women and girls face. Millions have been denied education and opportunities to participate in public life; many have never learned to read or write, and some do not even know their date of birth because they were never officially registered. Having been fortunate to access education and professional opportunities myself, I view that privilege as a responsibility to advocate for women whose voices are often unheard and to help them gain the confidence, knowledge, and opportunities to build better futures.

After arriving in the United States in 2023, I joined Afghan Advantage, where I continue empowering Afghan refugee and immigrant women. I understand the challenges of rebuilding a life in a new country because I have experienced that journey myself. Starting over requires courage, resilience, and support—particularly for women who have had little or no access to education and are beginning their learning journey for the first time. Limited English does not mean limited intelligence, ambition, or leadership ability. I want every woman to feel she is not alone—that she can learn, grow, and build a new future for herself and her family.

I help women build the skills and confidence to participate more fully in their families and communities through community support, English literacy, and leadership development. Without a pathway that begins where women are, opportunity can remain out of reach.

Every woman deserves the opportunity to learn, lead, and thrive. I believe education is one of the most powerful tools for creating lasting change. My mission is to help women find their voices, realize their potential, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.