A Future Reclaimed: One Afghan Woman’s Journey to Safety and Opportunity

No One Left Behind
Aug 17
2 min read

Updated: Sep 11

My name is Zohra Neda. I was born and raised in Kabul and Balkh, Afghanistan. I completed both my schooling and university education in Afghanistan, graduating with a degree from the Faculty of Computer Science. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with various international organizations.

Between 2017 and 2018, I collaborated with Chemonics International on the Women in Government project in Kabul, funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). This initiative focused on empowering Afghan women by increasing their representation and participation in public administration and government institutions.

Since 2021, when Afghan women were no longer allowed to be physically present in their workplaces, I remained determined not to give up. I continued to build my skills and capacity, and began working remotely as a Full Stack Web Developer through collaboration with developers around the world. I also volunteered on various programs aimed at supporting and empowering Afghan women globally, not only in pursuing careers in STEM but also in standing up for their fundamental rights.

In late January 2025, I moved to Pakistan to process my Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) case, holding on to hope for a brighter future. As a solo female applicant during a very difficult time, I received compassionate support from No One Left Behind, which provided essential services and accommodations throughout the SIV process until I safely arrived in the United States.

I am deeply grateful to No One Left Behind, the International Rescue Committee (Virtual Resettlement Line), and other agencies that supported me on my journey from Pakistan to the United States, where I now live as a newly arrived refugee.

Today, I have begun a new chapter in my life and career within my American community. However, my heart remains with the thousands of Afghan women and girls who have lost their futures and the most precious moments of their education and careers.