Hasina Jalal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hasina Jalal
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| حسینه جلال | |
Jalal in 2020
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| Nationality | Afghan |
| Occupation | Human Rights Advocate |
| Parent(s) | Massouda Jalal (mother) Faizullah Jalal |
Hasina Jalal (Persian: حسینه جلال) is a brave leader who works for women's rights and democracy in Afghanistan. For more than ten years, she has helped shape policies, worked with community groups, and taught at universities.
In 2014, people voted for Hasina Jalal to receive the "N-Peace Award." This award came from the UNDP and a special advisor to the UN Secretary General.
She helped start and lead the National Association of Afghanistan Civil Society (NAACS). She also played a big part in creating the first South Asian alliance for women's rights, called SAFA, in Sri Lanka.
Hasina Jalal has held important jobs in the Afghan government. She was a research leader and policy expert at the Presidential Palace. She also advised the Minister of Mines and Petroleum. Besides her government work, she has taught subjects like economics and human rights in both the United States and Afghanistan.
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About Hasina Jalal's Family
Hasina Jalal comes from a family of strong people who have worked hard for democracy, human rights, and equality in Afghanistan.
Her Mother: Massouda Jalal
Her mother, Massouda Jalal, was the first woman to run for President in Afghanistan. She was also a former Minister of Women's Affairs. The previous Taliban government put her in prison because she supported education and jobs for women. She was arrested after trying to help 3,000 women get bakery jobs. The United Nations helped her get released.
While she was Minister of Women's Affairs, Massouda Jalal traveled a lot across Afghanistan. Once, her car was attacked, and two of her guards were badly hurt. In 2010, attackers killed one women's rights activist and seriously injured another from the Jalal Foundation. In 2019, when her mother ran for President again, she spoke out against violence and human rights problems. Because of this, her house and office were bombed.
Her Father: Faizullah Jalal
Her father, Faizullah Jalal, was a professor of law and political science. He was also a Vice-Chancellor at Kabul University. He has always fought for democracy and human rights. Because of his work, he was imprisoned and even tortured by different governments in Afghanistan.
He faced many personal losses. By the time he was in his early thirties, he had lost almost his entire family. His father and oldest brother died young from illness due to poverty. Three of his brothers, a cousin, and a nephew were killed during the Afghan civil war. This history of sacrifice inspires the family to keep working for Afghanistan's future.
Hasina's Continued Work
Following her parents' example, Hasina Jalal had to leave Afghanistan in 2021 when the Taliban took over. She now lives in the U.S., far from her homeland and family. Even from afar, she continues to speak up for Afghan women's rights. She uses her voice to influence international discussions and policies.
Hasina can speak many languages. She is fluent in Persian/Dari, Pashto, English, Turkish, and Hindi/Urdu. She also knows some Punjabi, Arabic, and Uzbek.
Hasina's Education
Hasina Jalal has studied at some well-known universities. She did graduate studies at Georgetown University in the U.S. She also pursued a Ph.D. in Public and International Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh.
She earned an MBA from the American University of Afghanistan. She received a scholarship from USAID for this. She also has a Master's degree in Women Studies from the University of Northern Iowa, where she was a Fulbright scholar.
For her first degree, she studied Economics and Political Science at Jamia Millia Islamia in Delhi, India. Before that, she studied Economics for a year at Kabul University.
Hasina has also received several special fellowships. These include awards from the Elinor Ostrom Fellowship, Georgetown University, and the Center for Governance and Markets.
Hasina's Career and Achievements
Hasina Jalal has had an impressive career, working in government and with civil society groups.
Government Roles
In the Afghan government, she was a Research Team Lead and Policy Expert at the Presidential Palace. She led a team that researched important topics and gave advice to the former President of Afghanistan. She also worked as a Policy Advisor and Director at the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum. In this role, she managed projects funded by foreign aid for Afghanistan's oil, gas, and mining industries. She also advised the Minister on policy matters.
Civil Society Work
Hasina has helped create and manage several civil society organizations. Since 2012, she has been a co-founder and Executive Director of the National Association of Afghanistan Civil Society (NAACS). She also helped start the first alliance of South Asian women working on economic, social, and cultural rights (SAFA) in Sri Lanka.
Awards and Recognition
Hasina's work for gender equality, human rights, and democracy has earned her many awards:
- In 2012, she received the "Honoring 100 Asian Women Award" from the Asian Rural Women’s Coalitions (ARWC).
- In 2014, she won the "N-Peace Award" after a public vote.
- In 2016, she was given the "Global Women Leadership Award" by the World-CSR.
- In 2017, she received the "World Super Achiever Award" from the World Human Rights Congress.
- In 2020, the Women's Economic Forum gave her the "Iconic Women Creating a Better World for All Award."
- In 2021, the Afghan public voted her as one of the "45 Most Influential Afghan Women."
