Suraya Pakzad

Suraya Pakzad, born in 1975, is a prominent Afghan women's rights activist renowned for her unwavering commitment to human rights. In 1998, she founded the organization Voice of Women, which initially focused on teaching girls to read. Under her leadership, the organization has evolved to provide essential services such as shelter, counseling, and job training for women, operating in secrecy until the fall of the Taliban in 2001.

During the oppressive regime of the Taliban, the risks were immense; on two occasions, the girls being taught had to burn their books to avoid detection. Following the regime's collapse, Voice of Women was officially recognized as a non-governmental organization in 2001 and registered with the Afghan government in 2002. The organization played a significant role in the development of the Afghan constitution, advocating for women's rights and empowerment.

Pakzad's efforts have garnered international recognition. In 2008, she received the International Women of Courage Award from the US Secretary of State and the prestigious Malali Medal from the President of Afghanistan. Her influence continued to grow, and in 2009, she was named one of the Time 100.

Her accolades include an honorary doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania and an honorary Associate of Arts degree from Burlington County College in 2010, along with the Clinton Global Citizen Award. In 2011, Newsweek recognized her as one of the 150 Women Who Shake the World, and in 2012, she was honored with the Female Leader of the Year Award from the Austria Female Leadership Foundation in Germany.