Recipient of a Full Scholarship in Canada.
In 2017, Niloofar obtained her Bachelor of Engineering in Architecture in Herat, Afghanistan. After gaining practical experience as an irrigation design engineer at the Ministry of Rehabilitation and Development, she planned to continue her studies and pursue a graduate engineering degree.
Passionate about learning, Niloofar strongly opposes the Taliban’s ban on women pursuing higher education. She had joined the Watan Youth Warrior Organization in September of 2017 and became a human rights activist for the Dorakhshan Civil Association in March 2022. Despite her hardships, Niloofar continues to follow online English classes in hiding and actively takes part in advocacy efforts.
Her firm stance against the Taliban puts her at great risk of execution. Fearing for her life, she eventually fled to a neighbouring host country. However, officials in that host country no longer issue asylum seeker cards or residence permits to newly arrived Afghans. Without these documents, Niloofar cannot access essential public services like healthcare and education. Furthermore, she cannot legally rent accommodation or work. Ongoing deportation efforts against Afghan refugees force her to live in hiding.
For the Refugees aims to support Niloofar in pursuing further education in Canada, where she can also find safety. Niloofar is another fortunate candidate who has been granted a full scholarship at one of Canada’s most prestigious learning institutions. Once she completes her studies, Niloofar is determined to return to her country and pursue her dream of becoming Afghanistan’s first Minister of Development. She hopes that once she graduates, the Taliban will be driven out. If not, she will look for work within international organizations, in order to continue helping the women of her country.