Bibi Narjis Hashimi awarded the 1325 Scholarship in memory of Zaida Catalán
Growing up hearing how the conflict in Afghanistan stole her mother’s dreams shaped Bibi Narjis Hashimi’s commitment to women’s rights and peacebuilding. She has now been awarded the 1325 Scholarship in memory of Zaida Catalán.
About Bibi Narjis Hahimi
Holds a double degree in Marketing and Finance from Preston University.
Experienced in women’s and youth-focused human rights initiatives.
Has led workshops and mentorship programmes in entrepreneurship and digital skills for Afghan girls.
Background in IT, education and rights-based advocacy.
Speaks English, Dari, Urdu and Farsi; has worked as an interpreter in international contexts.
Through the scholarship, she will undertake a one-year placement with Bytes for All (B4A) in Pakistan, where she will focus on digital rights, online safety and women’s participation within the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. The placement is based in Pakistan due to the security situation in Afghanistan.
– I feel deeply seen and grateful. Afghan women often work under pressure and without acknowledgment, so this recognition affirmed that our voices matter globally, says Hashimi.
Her engagement in women, peace and security is grounded in her own experiences. During the conflict in Afghanistan, her parents left everything behind, determined – as she describes it – that their daughters would not grow up “in a system where women are treated as objects to be controlled”.
– Hearing how conflict stole my mother’s dreams – and then witnessing similar patterns decades later – made me realise that war harms women across generations, she says.
Today, she equips girls with business knowledge, practical skills and digital tools that strengthen financial independence and awareness of their rights.
– While I cannot stop war alone or change deeply rooted mindsets, I use my experience to help girls recognise their worth and refuse injustice.
Systematic exclusion and fragile peace
Hashimi describes how Afghan women face widespread exclusion from education, employment, freedom of movement and public life. They are often absent from decision-making processes, even on issues that directly affect them.
Through her work in entrepreneurship training, career development and human rights education, she has seen how access to skills and income can restore dignity and confidence.
– Financial independence, practical skills and knowledge of their rights give women respect and the confidence to defend themselves. Even small opportunities can empower women to uplift families, transform communities and break cycles of oppression.
Without women’s security, autonomy and participation, she emphasises, peace cannot be sustainable.
Strengthening digital protection and advocacy
As more Afghan girls rely on digital platforms for education and connection, Hashimi notes that these spaces can also expose them to harassment and surveillance.
During her placement at Bytes for All, she will deepen her knowledge of digital rights, cybersecurity and policy advocacy.
– At B4A, I hope to learn strategies around digital protection, policy advocacy and rights-based frameworks, while contributing to projects that advance women’s peace and rights, she says.
The experience will support her ambition to design secure online platforms for entrepreneurship and mental health support, and to amplify the voices of Afghan women and girls in broader policy discussions.
From victims to leaders in peacebuilding
Looking ahead, Hashimi wants to help shift the narrative around Afghan women – from victims of conflict to leaders in peacebuilding and development. Her vision includes building safe educational platforms, strengthening digital literacy and advocating for women’s representation in policy spaces.
What continues to motivate her is the resilience she sees in the women she supports.
– I remember a young woman who started a business despite family opposition, a widow reclaiming dignity through her small start-up, and a participant who told me I inspired her. Moments like these show that even small efforts create ripple effects, she says.
– The scholarship is not only an honour – it is a commitment to expand my impact and contribute more effectively to Women, Peace and Security efforts, she adds.
The 1325 Scholarship was established by FBA on behalf of the Swedish government in 2020 – and in memory of Zaida Catalán, who was seconded by FBA to several international peace operations. The scholarship targets young peacebuilders at the beginning of their careers and provides an opportunity to gain knowledge and practical experience in their local contexts on issues related to women’s participation in peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
Read more about the 1325 scholarship.