Stories from Our Community

Giving a Voice to Afghan Women

Samina Ansari graduated from the Paris School of International Affairs in 2018. She is currently a Program Specialist for the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). At AKDN, she heads the Silk Road Cultural Initiative under AKDN's Trust for Culture in Afghanistan.

Prior to her current position, she served as the Executive Director at The International Center for Afghan Women’s Economic Development at the American University of Afghanistan. Inspired by her time at PSIA, Ansari decided to head back to the country of her birth to work in the areas of conflict resolution and women’s rights.

As Executive Director, she spearheaded the Centre’s mission of women’s economic empowerment and participation in peace negotiations with the Taliban. For Ansari, moving to Afghanistan was a way to give back to the country. She credits PSIA's supportive environment for inspiring her to brainstorm new ways to foster women's economic and political development in Afghanistan.

Hear what PSIA meant to her and her advice for students at https://carrieres.sciencespo.fr/index.php/en/article/544-en-giving-a-voice-to-afghan-women