Enabling Women Empowerment

I grew up in Chitral, a remote village nestled in the breathtaking Hindu Kush mountains of Pakistan. My journey began under challenging circumstances, marked by the loss of my father when I was just four years old. This profound loss made the prospect of receiving a quality education at an English medium school feel like a distant dream. However, it was my mother’s unwavering strength that instilled resilience within me. She became a beacon of hope, showing that women could be leaders, decision-makers, and breadwinners, even in the most patriarchal societies. Witnessing her navigate life’s challenges, I realised the transformative power of education and economic independence. Her active involvement in our family’s decisions and her role as the primary breadwinner inspired me to pursue my education fiercely, despite the barriers I faced. Education became my lifeline and the foundation of my dreams. As I continued my studies, I sought opportunities to uplift others as well. I was fortunate to receive several national and international scholarships, including the AKES Scholarship, which enabled me to study in diverse environments within Pakistan and abroad. While studying in countries like Bangladesh and later, in South Korea, I witnessed firsthand the impact of an inclusive society where people from all genders and communities collaborate for national prosperity. This experience deepened my resolve to return to Pakistan and contribute to what I am passionate about – women empowerment.

I joined the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), an experience that allowed me encounter women and other disadvantaged groups oppressed by financial limitations. It became clear to me that economic empowerment was crucial for these individuals to exercise their rights and break free from oppression. I knew I had to act. This conviction led me to join Accelerate Prosperity, where I focused on fostering economic inclusion through entrepreneurship. I worked on programmes that provided training, resources, investments, and networks for youth and women in rural areas, empowering them to become entrepreneurs within their communities. Witnessing how these interventions enabled women and youth to create local solutions and gain financial independence was immensely gratifying. I’ve learned that an enabling environment is essential for women's empowerment. Now, as part of the dedicated team at Aga Khan Foundation Afghanistan, I am committed to contributing to a holistic development model that resonates deeply with me – an experience that allows me to support women’s empowerment, explore ways they can access opportunities and essential services to thrive.