Maryam Durani

Durani (center) receiving the 2012 International Women of Courage Award from Michelle Obama (left) and Hillary Rodham Clinton (right)

Maryam Durani Maryam Durani : (مَریَم دورانی) Daughter of Haji Mohammad Eisa Durani, Maryam Durani was born on 1987. Hailing from the Durrani tribe, Maryam is graduated from business department of American University of Afghanistan and currently she is a third class student of Law and Political Science. She was Kandahar people’s representative in the provincial council during the first tenure as well. She has served in different positions such as director of Khadijatul Kubra women's association for culture, owner of Merman Radio ( special women's radio) and as founder of Kandahar woman advocacy network. She received World Ten Brave Women’s award on eight March 2012 as well as World 100 Influential Figure’s award on 20 April 2012. she has also received Brave Woman award from the State of Pennsylvania, Women Rights Protector’s award from Washington and Iraq and Afghanistan Female Peace Activist’s appreciation letter from Turkey. She is broadcaster and manager of Merman Radio of Kandahar. In 6 April 2013 she founded the Women's Network (Advocacy) in Kandahar, Maryam also establishing Malalai Maiwandi Internet cafe a free women's internet cafe to connect more women to the world in a safe and comfortable space. she opened Malali Maiwandi internet cafe on 25-Sep-2013 which is the first of its kind in the Afghanistan. the girls could use the cafe for getting information about current affairs and obtain educational material, which is the main reason why she established the women's cafe. In 2012 she was chosen by Time Magazine as “The 100 Most Influential People in the World”. According to Time, "As the owner and operator of a radio station (Merman Radio) that focuses on women's issues and as a member of the Kandahar provincial council, Durani stands up for the region's women with remarkable bravery."[1][2][3] In March 8, 2012 she was a recipient of the prestigious U.S. Secretary of State’s Award for International Women of Courage Award.[4][5] In May 2014 Durani received the Roosevelt Four Freedoms Award: Freedom of Speech and Expression in Middelburg, the Netherlands.

References

  1. ↑ "Maryam Durani". Time Magazine. Apr 18, 2012. Retrieved December 22, 2012.
  2. ↑ "Maryam Durani among "The 100 Most Influential People in the World"". Afghanistan Journalists Center. April 19, 2012. Retrieved December 22, 2012.
  3. ↑ "American Women for International Understanding is pleased to Honor the US Secretary of State's International Women of Courage with an event each March.". American Women for International Understanding. Retrieved December 22, 2012.
  4. ↑ "Embassy Hosts Maryam Durani for Lunch". Embassy of Afghanistan. March 9, 2012. Retrieved December 22, 2012.
  5. ↑ Staff (March 5, 2012). [http://www.state.gov/s/gwi/programs/iwoc/2012/bio/index.htm "2012 International Women of Courage Award Winners"Office of Global Women's Issues of the U.S. Department of State. Retrieved December 21, 2012.