Shad Begum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Shad Begum
شاد بیگم |
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Shad Begum in 2012
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| Born | January 20, 1979 Talash, Lower Dir, Pakistan
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| Occupation | Social Worker |
Shad Begum is a social worker from Dir Lower, Pakistan. She grew up in a religious family that was not rich. She was the first woman in her family to go to university. Shad Begum says her father, brothers, and husband always supported her work to help others.
Helping Her Community: ABKT
In 1994, Shad Begum started an organization called the Association for Behaviour and Knowledge Transformation (ABKT). She created it to help women in her area. At first, it was known as Anjuman Behbood-i-Khawateen Talash.
It was very challenging for her to start this group. She lived in a traditional society where it was not common for women to work outside their homes. When a group called the Taliban became powerful in her area, it became dangerous. She was threatened by unknown people. Because of this, she moved her organization's office to Peshawar.
ABKT has done many good things for the community. They have helped girls get an education. They have also taught women about their rights and improved health in the area. The association has built hanging bridges and installed hand pumps for water. They have also dug wells and paved streets. ABKT gives small loans to local business owners. They also train women to help them become stronger leaders in their communities. The organization gets money from groups in Pakistan and other countries.
Special Recognition: Awards
On March 8, 2012, Shad Begum received a very important award. She was given the International Women of Courage Award. This award honors women who show great bravery and leadership. The US First Lady Michelle Obama and the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton presented her with the award.
Shad Begum comes from a very traditional place where few women work outside their homes. After receiving the award, she asked news reporters not to share the news widely. She was worried about her safety if too many people knew about her award.
