Region: Afghanistan, Asia

Main Areas Of Interest: women's empowerment, capacity development

Fellowship Period: April -June 2007

Keywords: social services, advocacy, anti-discrimination

Biographical Profile:
Nilofar Sakhi is a Fulbright Scholar (Masters degree) at the Center for Justice and Peace Building at Eastern Mennonite University in Virginia. Nilofar is also the Executive Director and founder of Women Activities and Social Services Association (WASSA), the first women's NGO in Herat, Afghanistan.

WASSA is active at the local, national and regional levels and advocates for the legal rights of women, whilst striving to create strong networks among women groups both within Afghanistan and internationally. WASSA's mission is to facilitate the women's movement by empowering women through different socioeconomic programs which allows women to be self-sufficient and participate in community decision-making processes. Nilofar helped design social services, advocacy and peace building programs for WASSA, which aim at build the capacity of Afghan civil society by developing the skills and capacities of women's activities. WASSA also works to end widespread discrimination against women through reform of the judicial system in Afghanistan.

She conducted different national workshops and seminars regarding Women's rights, Convention for the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and Gender Development in her country. Nilofar is an activist who believes in equality, dignity, love and respect to the humanity. These values have enabled her to work for those who suffer from discrimination. As part of her fellowship at the ICTE, Nilofar shared her experiences and challenges. In turn, she learned about strategic ways of dealing with gender discrimination issues and promotion of women's right at the policy making level.