The organization
BUILDING BRIDGES, FOSTERING PEACE
Ponts per la Pau was founded in 2016 as a non-profit, non-denominational, and voluntary association by Nadia Ghulam Dastgir, an Afghan woman activist.
Nadia’s personal journey, marked by her experiences as an Afghan woman living through war, occupation, and the deprivation of basic rights, inspired her to establish an organization focused on education as the foundation for peace. Her vision was fuelled by a desire to prevent other women and girls from facing the discrimination she endured, and she believed in their power to drive positive change in transitional contexts like Afghanistan.
VISION
Our vision at Ponts per la Pau is a future where education and equal opportunities serve as bridges to lasting peace. We are committed to working for a world where Afghan women and girls can experience peace, justice, equality, and the freedom to fully participate in all spheres of life without fear.
We envision a world where every individual, particularly women and girls, has access to quality education, empowering them to become agents of change in their communities. Through education, we strive to foster resilience, self-confidence, and gender equality, ultimately contributing to a more secure and prosperous society.
MISSION
Our mission is to empower Afghan women and girls through individualized and personalized support, promoting comprehensive education and a culture of peace.
We work tirelessly to ensure that they can exercise their rights, enhance their self-confidence and resilience, and pursue their individual potential for self-determination and representation in all aspects of life, including political, social, cultural, and economic realms. By striving for freedom, autonomy, and independence, we aim to create a society where all individuals can thrive.
Our organization tirelessly advocates for women’s rights and challenges social norms that perpetuate gender-based violence. Thus, we work towards the economic emancipation and empowerment of women in Afghanistan.
However, following the return of the Taliban regime in 2021, Ponts per la Pau has found it necessary to activate an ongoing humanitarian assistance program, where in addition to our usual initiatives, we provide medical aid, food security, and shelter.
Achievements
Ponts per la Pau has achieved significant progress in its mission, currently supporting 450 individuals, including 210 women and 202 children, with the number of people involved increasing daily. We have been able to address various urgent needs expressed by Afghan rights holders, including medical assistance, food, and other essential requirements, with a rapid, flexible, and creative approach.
Currently, the association is actively engaged in three locations in Afghanistan, providing support to various local teams, primarily composed of women. In Kabul, we have ten field officers, while in Baghlan, we have another twenty-five officers and support staff, and in Nangarhar, five officers manage and execute the support provided by Ponts per la Pau. To ensure the safety of those in need, we have established “safe houses” in collaboration with local teams, covering overhead costs and offering training opportunities.
Join our cause and make a real impact
Make a donation to our projects!
With €5, you can provide a student with the necessary educational materials for one month.
With €10, you can purchase enough sewing material to support the economic independence of an entrepreneurial woman and the economic development of her community.
With €15, we can acquire 5 new books for our reading clubs and libraries for women.
With €20, we can obtain enough medication and sanitary pads for a woman for 30 days.
