Mary Akrami facts for kids
Mary Akrami is a brave woman from Afghanistan who works to help other women. She is the leader of an organization called the Afghan Women Skills Development Center. This group helps women learn new skills and find support.
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Helping Women in Afghanistan
Mary Akrami has done many important things to help women in her country. In 2001, she represented Afghan people at a big meeting called the Bonn Conference. This meeting was about the future of Afghanistan.
The First Women's Shelter
In 2003, Mary Akrami's organization opened the very first women's shelter in Kabul, the capital city of Afghanistan. A shelter is a safe place where women can go if they need help.
What the Shelter Offers
The shelter helps women in many ways. It gives them:
- Legal advice, which means help with understanding laws and their rights.
- Literacy classes, so they can learn to read and write.
- Psychological counseling, which is like talking to someone who can help with feelings and thoughts.
- Basic skills training, so they can learn useful things like sewing or cooking to help them find jobs.
Mary Akrami works very hard. She is available 24 hours a day to help the women at the shelter. Because of her strong leadership, many women have found the courage to speak up about unfair treatment and even go to court to seek justice. This was very unusual in Afghanistan before her work.
Awards and Recognition
Mary Akrami's important work has been recognized around the world.
- In 2007, she received the International Women of Courage Award. This award honors women who show great bravery and leadership in helping others.
- In 2016, she was named one of the BBC 100 Women. This list celebrates 100 of the most inspiring and influential women of the year.
Her work shows how one person can make a huge difference in the lives of many.
