about us
Nadia Ghulam Dastgir, founder of Ponts per la Pau
Nadia is an Afghan woman activist and an influential figure in promoting peace, education, and gender equality. With a wealth of professional experience and a deep commitment to social change, Nadia has dedicated her life to empowering vulnerable individuals, particularly Afghan women and girls. She has collaborated and work with different organizations like Assamblea de Coperació per la Pau, Casa Asia and AUDIR.
Nadia is not an activist because she chooses to. Nadia’s activism and advocacy for the rights of her people is a need she cannot turn a blind eye to it. Nadia was nearly fatally wounded during the 1992 civil war in Afghanistan. After the war and the victory of the Taliban, Nadia, as the eldest child of a family that only had women, had to disguise herself as a man for the survival of her family for 10 years. The commitment of Nadia to her family, friends and people is a lifelong vow. Her activism for peace and human rights is marked by her story. She cannot avoid it, she intends not.
From 2010 Nadia does conferences and round tables on education for peace, for women and human rights both at national and international level. Nadia’s professional journey includes her role as a Social Educator Professional Associate at Fundació Catalana de l’Esplai in Barcelona since 2019. Previously, she worked as an Education Assistant at the SI Institute in Badalona, and contributed as a Social Work Professional Associate.
As an accomplished writer, Nadia has authored and co-authored several publications that shed light on Afghan culture, women’s experiences, and the challenges faced in her homeland. Notable works include her autobiography “El secret del meu turban” (The secret of my turban) with Agnés Rotger, “Somiant la Pau: Una mirada femenina al nou Afganistan dels talibans” (Dreaming of Peace: A feminine look at the Taliban’s new Afghanistan) with Adriadna Oltra and “El pais de los pájaros sin alas” (The country of birds without wings). Nadia’s powerful voice is not confined to the written word; she co-wrote and performed in the theater play “Nadia/Kabul/Barcelona,” captivating audiences with her compelling storytelling.
Nadia’s relentless efforts have garnered recognition and accolades. She has received the 39è Memorial per la Pau Josep i Liesel Vidal in October 2023, the Women of the Year Award: Women of Peace from look! Magazine Vienna in 2021, and the Socio-Educational and E-Inclusive Action award from the Esplai Foundation for Committed Citizenship in 2020. Additionally, she has been honoured with the Primis Trencant Invisibilitats for Social Transformation and Overcoming Gender Stereotypes by the Municipal Council of Women Badalona in 2016 and the Girona Literary Award: Prudenci Bertrana Prize for “El secret del meu turbant” in 2010.
Nadia’s remarkable story has gained significant media attention, with interviews and coverage in various languages. She has shared her experiences and insights on platforms such as TEDx Talks, UN summits, and international news outlets. Nadia’s advocacy work continues to inspire and create awareness of the challenges faced by Afghan women and the urgent need for peace and gender equality.
Board of Directors
NADIA GHULAM DASTGIR
President and Founder
Founder of Bridges for Peace. Activist for human rights, education, and the empowerment of women in Afghanistan. International writer and speaker. Social educator, balancing her work as president of Bridges for Peace.
MARIA CANÉ GUMBAU
Secretary
Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s in gender-based violence; activist for women’s rights and member of the neighborhood association in the center of Badalona, Òmnium Cultural, Aspanin, and various solidarity associations.
ORIOL LLUCH
Treasurer
Diploma in Social Education, currently working in Youth Justice Centers. In 2020, he spent six months on the island of Lesbos collaborating with various NGOs.
CARME VILARMAU
Member
Carme Vilarmau Pal, a graduate in Education. Co-founder of Bridges for Peace and a volunteer in the project we are developing in Badalona.
TERESA USTRELL
Member
She developed her professional life as a small business owner. She has volunteered in the oncology department of the Germans Trias Hospital (Can Ruti). Currently, she is a volunteer at Aspanin and in the Bridges for Peace project in Badalona.
GEMMA SÁNCHEZ NOVELLA
Member
Social integrator. Collaborator at the Viutea Foundation and dance teacher at the Sique Foundation.
Our team
GEMMA COLLS
Administrative advisor
GERARD DOTTI
Project technician
GERARD DOTTI
Project technician
Gerard manages all projects related to Afghanistan at Ponts per la Pau. He specializes in international security and development. His career in project management and cooperation spans three continents, working with migrant and vulnerable populations. He also has experience as an educator and international affairs analyst.
MARIONA FRADERA
Program Coordinator
Mariona is the coordinator of the “Acollim nous catalans” project in Badalona, where she brings her experience as a retired teacher and project coordinator. With an impressive 38-year career in the public school system, she has accumulated extensive expertise. Since 2017, Mariona has been an active volunteer in the project, dedicating her free time to promoting the social inclusion of newcomers in the community.
