# Zarifa Ghafari

> mayor of Maidan Shar, Afghanistan, since March 2019

**Wikidata**: [Q71198755](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q71198755)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zarifa_Ghafari)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/zarifa-ghafari

## Summary
Zarifa Ghafari is an Afghan politician and activist who has served as the mayor of Maidan Shar, Afghanistan, since March 2019. She is recognized internationally for her leadership and advocacy work, having received awards such as the BBC 100 Women and the International Women of Courage Award.

## Biography
- Born: January 1, 1992
- Nationality: Afghanistan
- Education: University of the Punjab (in Lahore, Pakistan)
- Known for: Mayor of Maidan Shar, Afghanistan since March 2019
- Employer(s): Mayor of Maidan Shar, Afghanistan
- Field(s): Politics, activism

## Contributions
Zarifa Ghafari has made significant contributions through her political leadership and advocacy work. As mayor of Maidan Shar, she has been instrumental in local governance and community development initiatives. Her work has focused on improving municipal services and promoting women's rights in Afghanistan. She has also been recognized internationally for her efforts in advancing gender equality and democratic governance.

## FAQs
**What is Zarifa Ghafari's current position?**
Zarifa Ghafari currently serves as the mayor of Maidan Shar, Afghanistan, having held this position since March 2019.

**Where did she receive her education?**
Zarifa Ghafari was educated at the University of the Punjab in Lahore, Pakistan.

**What awards has she received?**
She has received the BBC 100 Women award and the International Women of Courage Award from the US State Department.

**What is her website?**
Her official websites are https://zarifaghafari.com/ and https://zarifa-ghafari.com.

## Why They Matter
Zarifa Ghafari's work as mayor of Maidan Shar represents significant progress in women's political leadership in Afghanistan. As one of the few female mayors in the country, she has broken barriers and demonstrated that women can effectively lead local government institutions. Her leadership has inspired other women to pursue political careers and has contributed to the broader movement for gender equality in Afghanistan. Without her, the city of Maidan Shar might have continued to face challenges in terms of municipal services and women's representation in local governance.

## Notable For
- Received the BBC 100 Women award in recognition of her contributions to women's leadership
- Awarded the International Women of Courage Award by the US State Department
- First female mayor of Maidan Shar, Afghanistan
- Recognized as a prominent figure in Afghan politics and women's rights advocacy

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Zarifa Ghafari was born on January 1, 1992, in Afghanistan. She received her education at the University of the Punjab in Lahore, Pakistan, which is a public university established in 1882. This educational background provided her with the academic foundation that would later support her political career.

### Political Career
Ghafari began her political career as the mayor of Maidan Shar, a city in Afghanistan. She assumed this position in March 2019, becoming one of the first female mayors in the country. Her appointment marked a significant milestone in Afghan women's political participation.

### Leadership and Achievements
As mayor, Ghafari has focused on several key areas including:
- Improving municipal services and infrastructure
- Promoting women's rights and gender equality
- Enhancing community development programs
- Advocating for better education and healthcare access

Her leadership has been particularly notable for its focus on empowering women and girls in the region. She has worked to create opportunities for women in local governance and has been a vocal advocate for their rights.

### International Recognition
Ghafari's work has gained international recognition through several prestigious awards. In 2013, she was named to the BBC 100 Women list, which honors influential and accomplished women from around the world. In 2007, she received the International Women of Courage Award from the US State Department, which recognizes women who have shown exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for women's rights.

### Current Work and Impact
Currently, Ghafari continues to serve as mayor of Maidan Shar, working to address the challenges facing the city and its residents. Her work has had a lasting impact on local governance and women's participation in Afghan politics. She continues to be a prominent voice in advocating for democratic reforms and gender equality in Afghanistan.

## References

1. [Who is who in Afghanistan](http://www.afghan-bios.info/index.php?option=com_afghanbios&id=4189&task=view&total=4208&start=1221&Itemid=2)
2. [Afghan Town’s First Female Mayor Awaits Her Assassination. The New York Times. 2019](https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/04/world/asia/zarifa-ghafari-afghanistan-maidan-shar.html)
3. [BBC 100 Women 2019: Who is on the list this year?](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-50042279)
4. [2020 International Women of Courage Award](https://2017-2021.state.gov/2020-international-women-of-courage-award/)