Local Initiative in Afghanistan

Empowering Girls through Understanding Human Rights

In 2024, IFC member Roshan Mashal launched a local initiative in Afghanistan to empower girls and young women through education on human rights. The project aimed to strengthen their understanding of equality, safety, and personal agency.

The initiative took form of an online course designed to make human rights education engaging and accessible. Using real-life examples and related scenarios, the program helped participants understand how the Universal Declaration of Human Rights applies to their everyday lives.

Over two months, participants explored weekly modules covering key concepts, this includes defining and explaining human rights and examining both the Universal and the Islamic Declarations of Human Rights to better understand their shared principles and differences.

Outcome

Twenty young women successfully completed the course, each taking part in pre- and post-program test that showed a clear increase in knowledge and awareness. Participants reported feeling more confident in advocating for human rights in their communities, with several already leading local awareness campaigns and joining advocacy initiatives.

Beyond individual growth, the project created a network of empowered young women who continue to support one another and promote human rights advocacy across Afghanistan.