Wazhma Frogh facts for kids

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

Wazhma Frogh (pronounced Wash-ma Frogh) is a brave activist from Afghanistan. She works hard to protect and improve the rights of women in her country. She has dedicated her life to helping women and girls have better lives.

Early Life and Education

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

Starting Her Activism

At just 17 years old, Wazhma began her important work. She interned at a newspaper in Pakistan. During this time, she bravely reported on the bad living conditions. She also spoke out about the abuse of women in Afghan refugee camps.

Working for Women's Rights

From 1992 to 2001, Wazhma lived in Peshawar, Pakistan. Even from there, she helped organize programs for women in Afghanistan. These programs aimed to empower women in their communities. In 2001, she returned to Afghanistan to continue her work.

Important Studies and Centers

In 2002, Wazhma completed a special study. It was the first "gender assessment" of women's lives in Nuristan, Afghanistan. This study looked at the specific challenges women faced. She also helped create Women Development Centers. These centers were built in several Afghan provinces. They included Kandahar, Ghazni, Herat, and Parwan.

Advocacy and Challenges

Wazhma Frogh co-founded an organization called the Research Institute for Women, Peace and Security. She was also its director in 2013. That year, she faced serious threats. She had reported a powerful militia commander to NATO. He was known for repeatedly violating human rights.

The commander continued to threaten Wazhma and her sisters. An organization in the U.S. invited her to stay there for a while. However, her visa was not approved. This made it harder for her to escape the threats.

Writing for Change

Wazhma has also written articles for The Guardian newspaper. In 2010, she wrote about the importance of peace in Afghanistan. She stressed that peace should not come at any cost. She worried that women's rights might be ignored. She also feared that criminals might be set free.

International Support

Wazhma supports the United States joining an important agreement. It is called the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. Afghanistan itself approved this agreement in 2003. This agreement aims to end all forms of unfair treatment against women.

Awards and Recognition

In 2009, Wazhma Frogh received a special honor. She was given the International Women of Courage Award. This award recognizes women around the world who show great bravery. They often work to promote human rights and equality.

See also

In Spanish: Wazhma Frogh para niños

• Mina Mangal