AWS Team

Hello, I'm Selai Balkhi, founder and leader of the Afghan Women Support Association (AWS). With deep roots in Afghanistan and a vibrant upbringing in Switzerland, I've always been driven by a sense of justice and a passion for education. I spent seven years as a primary school teacher in Switzerland, where I witnessed the transformative power of education firsthand. 

My connection to Afghanistan is profound. I've traveled there four times, witnessing the challenges faced by women. These experiences inspired me to take action, leading to the founding of AWS. Our mission is to empower Afghan women, providing them with opportunities, education, and sustainable change.

In addition to my teaching role, I'm pursuing a Master's degree in Educational Science (MSc). This academic pursuit deepens my commitment to addressing the unique challenges women face in education. AWS is more than an organization; it's a movement driven by compassion and the belief in every woman's potential..

Hello, I'm Jonas Kunz, co-founder and co-leader of the Afghan Women Support Association (AWS). Born and raised in Switzerland, my commitment to humanitarian work and education has been a guiding force in my life. With a background in business administration and expertise in international logistics, I oversee the back office and organizational steering at AWS, ensuring our efficient functioning.

I co-founded AWS with the belief that everyone should have the right to pursue their dreams. AWS is a platform that champions the aspirations of Afghan women, breaking barriers and creating pathways to education and empowerment.

Greetings, I am Dr. Maiwand Ahmadsei, Founder and Deputy Director of the Afghan University of Medical Sciences (AUMS) and Co-Leader of the Afghan Women Support Association (AWS). Currently, I am a resident-in-training at the Department of Radiation-Oncology, University Hospital Zurich. My journey is deeply intertwined with my passion for medicine, education, and the empowerment of women.

As a medical professional, I was deeply concerned about the education ban on female medical students in Afghanistan. This led me, along with a dedicated team of doctors, to found AUMS, providing quality education and breaking gender barriers in the medical field.

In my roles at AUMS and AWS, I am committed to empowering women, ensuring a holistic approach towards their progress. I invite you to join us in this transformative journey. Together, we can rewrite the narratives of Afghan women in the medical field, offering them education and the belief that their dreams are achievable.

Greetings, I am Dr. Naqeeb-Ullah Sahak, Founder and Deputy Director of the Afghan University of Medical Sciences (AUMS), and leader of the AWS team in Afghanistan. My mission is rooted in the belief that every woman deserves access to education and the opportunity to fulfill her dreams.

In response to the ban on female students attending universities in Afghanistan, our team at AUMS, composed of medical experts, has united with a shared vision. We believe education is a powerful tool for empowerment.

Our lecture program, covering surgery, pediatrics, gynecology, dental medicine, and internal medicine, aims to break barriers and provide valuable education to female medical students in Afghanistan. We are dedicated to empowering them with essential knowledge and skills.

At AUMS and AWS, we stand firm in our belief that every woman has the right to pursue education and achieve her dreams. Our program offers more than academic knowledge; it's a pathway to independence and resilience.

Greetings, I am Asra. S., an activist and advocate for women's rights and education, holding a Bachelor's degree in Law from Kabul. My journey as an activist is fueled by the belief that education and empowerment are key to progress.

As the coordinator of Afghan Women Support, I guide dedicated teachers in Afghanistan, ensuring they have the resources to provide quality education. I also oversee our impactful bag project, empowering women through skill development and entrepreneurship.

Managing our English classrooms, I help break language barriers and open opportunities for our students, connecting Afghan women with the global community. My work is driven by the belief that every woman deserves the chance to learn, grow, and prosper.