Fatema Akbari Afghan entrepreneur and women's rights activist Country: Afghanistan

1. Fatima Akbari: A Champion for Afghan Women's Rights
2. Breaking Barriers in Taliban-Controlled Areas
3. Empowering Women Through Education and Training
4. Global Recognition: Global Leadership Awards
5. International Advocacy

Fatima Akbari: A Champion for Afghan Women's Rights

Fatima Akbari, an Afghan entrepreneur and women's rights advocate, is the founder of Gulistan Sasaqat Company and the Women Affairs Council. Her unwavering determination and innovative approaches have empowered countless women in Afghanistan.

Breaking Barriers in Taliban-Controlled Areas

After her husband's passing in 1999, Akbari faced the daunting task of supporting her children. She initially worked as a carpenter in Iran, where her family had fled during the Taliban's control of Afghanistan. Upon returning home in 2003, she established Gulistan Sadaqat Company in Kabul. This company manufactured and sold furniture while also providing training opportunities for aspiring carpenters. Notably, the majority of Gulistan Sadaqat Company's workforce comprised women whose husbands had been killed or disabled in the conflict.

In 2009, Akbari became part of the American University of Afghanistan's training program, supported by Goldman Sachs. This initiative aimed to equip women from developing countries with essential business and management skills. By expanding her operations and providing literacy training, Fatima gained access to Taliban-controlled areas by negotiating with local leaders.

Empowering Women Through Education and Training

In 2004, Akbari founded the Women Affairs Council (WAC), an NGO that disseminated human rights education to both genders, in addition to vocational training programs specifically for women. As of 2011, WAC had trained over 5,610 individuals throughout Afghanistan.

Global Recognition: Global Leadership Awards

On April 12, 2011, Akbari received the prestigious Global Leadership Award as an outstanding woman entrepreneur. This honor recognized her work in empowering Afghan women through job training and employment opportunities via her successful carpentry business. Additionally, Akbari's efforts through the Women Affairs Council's educational programs for women in Taliban-controlled areas were highly commended.

International Advocacy

Fatima Akbari's advocacy work extended beyond Afghanistan. She served as a panelist at a two-day conference in Dallas, Texas, from March 30-31, 2011. Convened by former US President George W. Bush and Afghan President Hamid Karzai, the conference focused on "Building Afghanistan's Future: Advancing Women's Freedom and Economic Empowerment."