Maryam Durani facts for kids
Maryam Durani (Dari: مریم درانی; born 1987) is a brave activist from Afghanistan. She works hard to help women and girls in her country. In 2012, she won a special award called the International Women of Courage Award. This award honors women who show great bravery.
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Maryam Durani's Life and Work
Maryam Durani grew up in Afghanistan. Her father is Haji Mohammad Eisa Durani. She is part of the Pashtun Durrani tribe. Maryam studied Law, Political Science, and business. She went to Payam Noor and American University of Afghanistan.
Even though it's often hard for women in her area, Maryam became a strong leader. She is a great example for women in Kandahar. In 2005, when she was only 21, she was chosen for the Kandahar Provincial Council. She was re-elected in 2009. Maryam was one of only four women on the Council. She made sure women's voices were heard in important discussions.
Helping Women in Kandahar
Maryam is very dedicated to helping women in Afghanistan. She started an organization to empower women. She also runs Merman Radio, a radio station in Kandahar City. This radio station focuses on topics important to women. She speaks out for peace and the rights of women and girls. Maryam wants to change how people see women's roles in Afghanistan.
Being a visible leader in Afghanistan can be risky. Maryam understands these dangers. Her family strongly supports her, even though they also face risks. Years ago, she was hurt in an attack that almost took her life. Her role in the Kandahar Provincial Government is very unusual for a woman. This is because of the traditional values in southern Afghanistan. Maryam breaks stereotypes and cultural rules. She has become a strong role model for women. She uses her position to promote fairness, peace, and human rights for women in Kandahar.
Education and Community Projects
Maryam believes that investing in teachers is key for Afghanistan's future. She thinks that good training for teachers helps them learn more. This helps them provide a great education to young people. Maryam also believes that peace in Afghanistan needs equal access to good education. She supports programs that help more girls and boys go to school.
Maryam has held many important roles. She was a representative for the people of Kandahar in the provincial council. She is also the director of a non-profit organization. This group works to improve conditions for women in Kandahar province. It is called Khadija Kubra Women’s Association.
Merman Radio
Maryam founded and owns Merman Radio in Kandahar. She started it in 2010. The station helps address unfairness between genders. It brings women's voices to the public. Merman Radio helps young people, especially women, and media workers. They explore important topics like human rights and good governance. Maryam says it's hard to gather men and women in one place in Kandahar. That's why she started the radio station. It helps her share messages with many people at once.
Other Initiatives
Maryam also founded the Kandahar Women's Network in 2013. This network helps empower women. It has 25 women-led organizations as members.
She also started the Malalai Maiwandi Internet Cafe. This was the first internet cafe for women in Afghanistan. It opened in 2013. It gives women a safe and comfortable place to connect to the world. Girls can use the cafe to get news and educational materials.
Maryam also founded the House of Learning. This is an institute for girls in Kandahar. It helps over 600 women get an education. They learn Business Management, Information Technology, English, and Communications. These programs give students skills to find jobs. This helps them support their families and improve their communities.
She also founded the Bebe Aisha women's library. This is the first women's library in Afghanistan. It has over 4000 books. It provides a peaceful space for girls and women to read. Women often cannot easily go to public libraries. This library gives them a calm place with many useful books. It helps improve women's knowledge and education.
In 2020, Maryam opened a new fitness center for women. This gym is in a hidden basement. It is part of the Khadija Kubra Women’s Association. This association also has the radio station, English classes, and a sewing center. Maryam said women loved the gym. But some men reacted negatively, thinking it went against their beliefs.
Current Roles
Maryam Durani holds several important positions:
- Assistant of the women advising board of Kandahar.
- Assistant of the Peace dialogue board of UNAMA in Kandahar.
- Assistant of the combating corruption board of UNAMA in Kandahar.
- Director of the Khadija Kubra Women’s Association for Culture.
- Director of Merman (Women’s Radio).
- Head of the Kandahar Women's Network.
- Head of the House of Learning Women’s Center.
Awards and Recognition
Maryam Durani has received many awards for her important work:
- In March 2012, she received the U.S. Secretary of State's International Women of Courage Award.
- In the same year, Time Magazine named her one of "The 100 Most Influential People in the World". Time noted her bravery in standing up for women.
- In July 2013, Maryam was chosen as one of "30 young activists" by the National Endowment for Democracy.
- In May 2014, Maryam received the Roosevelt Four Freedoms Award in the Netherlands.
- In November 2015, Maryam received the International Peace Generation Award from the UN.
- In December 2015, Maryam received the Simorgh International Peace Prize. This award was given on Human Rights Day.
See also
In Spanish: Maryam Durani para niños
- Malalai of Maiwand
- Afghan Girl
