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:
Sharbat Gula's Life 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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