Sharbat Gula which means "flower nectar" in Afghanistan's main language (lingua franca) , of Pashto, is the iconic young girl / woman who was photographed for National Geographic in 1985. She is the most recognizable face in the world, yet VERY few who recognize her haunting green eyes, know where she is from or her struggle. National Geographic and a team of professionals went to find her in 2002, after 17 years had passed. Here is her story:
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2002/04/afghan-girl-revealed/
Upon finding her, she was asked what she most wanted in her life. What she asked for was not for herself but for her three daughters. Her wish has been the education of her three young daughters. To this end the Sharbat Gula Justice Center was created; to provide the means for the education of girls and women in Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan. While our geographic focus is based on this trinity, we are here to assist women world wide. We build schools, provide vocational training and legal asylum for victims of gender based persecution. Our work revolves not around 'charity' but JUSTICE. We feel it is only just that everyone, most importantly women, have the same opportunities that exist for men, if not more so, for women are the first teachers of children and the creators of future generations. We are different and effective, because we work not only within the international framework for improving human rights, but have a broad base of support from every sector of society. We serve a unique function and our work and programs we have proposed on behalf of women have inspired other NGO's and policy makers to focus on women as the focal point of effective "nation building". Women's rights promotion and socio-economic development opportunities for women have been cited and documented by numerous United Nations studies to be the most effective remedy for societies in transition who wish to join the group of developed nations. Your support of The Sharbat Gula Justice Center helps build a better world for all of us.
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