Wazhma Frogh facts for kids

Wazhma Frogh with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (left) and First Lady Michelle Obama (right) in 2009

Wazhma Frogh is a brave activist from Afghanistan. She works hard to make sure women and girls have equal rights and opportunities. She has dedicated her life to helping others and making her country a better place.

Early Life and Education

Wazhma Frogh showed her determination from a young age. When she was in eighth grade, she helped tutor her landlord's children. This helped her family get a lower rent. It meant she and her sisters could afford to stay in school.

Helping Others in Refugee Camps

At just 17 years old, Wazhma started making a difference. She worked at a newspaper in Pakistan. During this time, she saw the difficult living conditions in Afghan refugee camps. She also saw how women were treated unfairly. She bravely shared what she learned to help bring attention to these issues.

Working for Women's Rights

From 1992 to 2001, Wazhma lived in Peshawar. During this time, she helped create programs for women in Afghanistan. These programs aimed to empower women in their communities. She returned to Afghanistan in 2001 to continue her important work.

Understanding Women's Needs

In 2002, Wazhma completed a special study. It was the first time someone had looked closely at the lives of women in Nuristan, Afghanistan. This study helped everyone understand what women needed to live better lives.

Creating Support Centers

Wazhma also helped set up Women Development Centers. These centers were created in several Afghan provinces. They included Kandahar, Ghazni, Herat, and Parwan. These centers provide support and resources for women.

Advocacy and Leadership

Wazhma Frogh is a co-founder of an Afghan organization. It is called the Research Institute for Women, Peace and Security. As of 2013, she was the director of this important group. They work to make sure women are included in peace talks and safety plans.

Speaking Up for Safety

Wazhma has always been fearless in speaking out. In 2013, she reported on a powerful leader who was causing problems. She shared her concerns with NATO, a group of countries working together for peace. Because of her bravery, she faced threats. She even tried to visit the United States for safety. An organization invited her to stay for several months. However, her visa was not approved at that time.

Writing for Change

Wazhma has also written articles for The Guardian newspaper. She writes about important issues in Afghanistan. In 2010, she wrote about the need for true peace. She believed that peace should not come at the cost of women's rights. She worried that women's progress might be lost.

Supporting Women's Treaties

Wazhma strongly supports a special agreement called the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. This agreement helps protect women's rights around the world. Afghanistan approved this agreement in 2003. Wazhma hopes the United States will also approve it.

Awards and Recognition

In 2009, Wazhma Frogh received a special honor. She was given the International Women of Courage Award. This award recognizes women who show amazing bravery and leadership. They work to make the world a better place for everyone.

See also

In Spanish: Wazhma Frogh para niños

• Mina Mangal