Ruqia Qudos, Recipient of FBA’s 1325 Scholarship for 2024, in Memory of Zaida Catalán

Launched by FBA in 2020 on behalf of the Swedish government, the 1325 scholarship targets young peacebuilders at the beginning of their careers. It provides them with an opportunity to immerse themselves in issues related to women's participation in peacebuilding and conflict resolution within their local contexts.

Ruqia was selected from over 200 applicants for this year’s scholarship for Afghanistan, recognizing her knowledge of and dedication to the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda. Due to security concerns in Afghanistan, her placement will be in Islamabad, Pakistan.

– This year, we received more than four times as many applications for Afghanistan/Pakistan compared to last year, says Isa Li Axberg, desk officer in charge of the 1325 scholarship at FBA.

– Despite many qualified applicants, Ruqia stood out because of her strong merits, extensive volunteer experience in human rights, and clear vision for promoting sustainable peace and women's rights in Afghanistan.

A Personal Drive for Change

Ruqia’s commitment to women, peace, and security is deeply rooted in her experiences growing up in Afghanistan.

– I witnessed the profound challenges faced by women and girls in Afghanistan, where conflict and cultural barriers often limit their opportunities and rights, she shares.

Inspired by the resilience of Afghan women striving for peace and equality, Ruqia decided to use her education in computer science to develop technological solutions that empower women and promote their safety and inclusion.

Tackling the Challenges

The plight of women and girls in Afghanistan is a central concern for Ruqia. She highlights issues such as restricted access to education, limited economic opportunities, and societal norms that restrict women’s roles in public life.

– Additionally, the ongoing conflict and instability exacerbate gender-based violence and limit their freedom and mobility, Ruqia explains.

 – Addressing these issues is crucial not only for improving individual lives but also for advancing the overall progress toward a peaceful and secure society.

Leveraging the Scholarship

For Ruqia, the scholarship is more than recognition – it is a platform to make a real difference.

– It not only recognizes my dedication to women’s rights and human rights advocacy but also provides me with the tools to leverage my education in computer science to create solutions for the challenges faced by women in conflict zones, she says.

Her year at Bytes for All (B4A) in Islamabad will be an opportunity to work closely with experts and activists, learn more about the intersection of women’s rights and peacebuilding, and develop strategies and initiatives that address these unique challenges.

– The scholarship empowers me to contribute to building a more secure and equitable environment for all women, especially in Afghanistan, where their voices need to be amplified and their rights fiercely protected, Ruqia notes.

Vision for the Future

Ruqia’s long-term goals are ambitious yet focused. She aims to work on a global scale to advance gender equality and human rights, developing and implementing policies that protect women and girls in conflict zones and encourage their active participation in peace processes.

– I aspire to lead initiatives that provide educational and economic opportunities for women, helping to build resilient communities and fostering sustainable peace, Ruqia states, emphasizing her commitment to using technology to enhance security and equality.

A Foundation in Technology and Advocacy

Currently completing her Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) in Islamabad, Ruqia combines her academic knowledge with practical experience in human rights. Her involvement in various initiatives, such as volunteering with AIESEC and serving as an interpreter, has honed her skills in engaging with diverse communities. Fluent in English, Dari, Urdu, Pashto, and basic Turkish, Ruqia's multilingual capabilities further enhance her ability to advocate for women's rights. In 2023, she was invited by the UN Office of the Special Coordinator to join a focus group on Afghanistan's challenges, underlining her active role in addressing issues of peace and security.

– Ruqia Qudos exemplifies the spirit of the 1325 scholarship: a young leader driven by a deep personal commitment to advancing women's rights and peacebuilding. Her journey reflects the broader goals of the scholarship – to nurture and support emerging peacebuilders who are ready to tackle the complex challenges of our time with innovation, dedication, and compassion, says Isa Li Axberg.

Read more about the 1325 scholarship for 2024