Maryam Karimi, a civil rights activist, educator, and entrepreneur, has dedicated her life to championing women’s and children’s rights. Born in 1988 in Balkh Province, Afghanistan, her work has impacted thousands. As the founder of the Afghanistan Child Foundation in partnership with Child Foundation of America., Maryam provided education to over 3,000 children and empowered nearly 1,000 families. Through her business initiatives, including the Gool Maryam Trading Company, she created jobs for over 400 women, giving them the means to build better lives.
Maryam’s achievements also extend to journalism and filmmaking, where she documented social challenges and fought for justice. “I have spent my life advocating for equality and ensuring no child or woman is left behind,” she reflects.
Escaping Danger: A Treacherous Journey
When Balkh Province fell to the Taliban in 2021, Maryam’s life and work were under threat. Fearing for her safety, she fled with her three children, first to Iran and then to Pakistan. The journey was filled with hardship. “We went through hell. As a single mother with three children, life became a waiting game filled with uncertainty and despair,” Maryam recalls.
The two years spent in Pakistan were particularly difficult, marked by financial struggles, visa issues, and mental health challenges for Maryam and her eldest daughter. Despite the adversity, she clung to hope, and on July 3, 2024, her family finally arrived in Portland, Oregon, to begin a new chapter.
ASN’s Transformational Role
Upon her arrival, the Afghan Support Network (ASN) became a beacon of hope for Maryam and her family. From the very beginning, ASN’s comprehensive support system addressed their most immediate needs.
ASN provided halal food during their initial weeks, alleviating financial and dietary struggles. Community Engagement Specialists personally guided Maryam’s family to halal markets, ensuring they felt comfortable in their new environment.
ASN also enrolled Maryam in its Driver Education Program, empowering her to secure a driving permit and license. “ASN’s Driver-Ed program gave me the confidence and freedom to navigate life here,” Maryam shares.
" The first productive assistance we received in the U.S. was through ASN. Most importantly, they helped us a lot."
"ASN is not just helping us survive; they are helping us thrive. Their guidance in building our careers is paving the way for our family’s stability and success," she emphasizes."
Maryam’s children are now actively working with ASN’s Career Mentoring and Coaching Assistance under Employment Program, which provides coaching and job placement services.
The mental toll of displacement left a lasting impact on Maryam and her family. In Pakistan, Maryam and her daughter struggled with depression, a result of years of uncertainty and inactivity. In Oregon, she is optimistic about joining ASN’s Mental Health Workshops and Programs, which are set to launch soon.
“Coming from a closed environment into a new world, mental health support is vital. I look forward to these workshops as a way to heal and grow, both for myself and my daughter,” Maryam explains.
A Vision of Hope, Resilience and Rebuilding Dreams
Maryam is determined to rebuild her life and continue advocating for women and children. Her goals include improving her English proficiency, starting a business to support women, and registering a non-profit in the U.S. “I want to help Afghan women here and back home,” she says passionately.
She urges Afghan women to remain hopeful and prepare for the future. “Sometimes, the best opportunities arise from the most difficult situations. Don’t let hardships define your life; there’s always a beacon of hope in every darkness.”
Her message to women still in Afghanistan is one of preparation and resilience:
Maryam also appeals for global support:
ASN: A Pillar of Support for the Afghan Community
For Maryam Karimi and countless others, ASN has been an indispensable lifeline. From essentials like food and driver education to transformative programs in career mentoring and mental health, ASN’s support is shaping brighter futures.
“ASN has not only helped us find our footing but has shown us how to dream again,” Maryam reflects.
As ASN continues its mission of empowering Afghan refugees, its role remains more critical than ever. Through stories like Maryam’s, the impact of our organization becomes clear: we are not just providing services but creating opportunities, fostering resilience, and building a stronger, united Afghan community in Oregon.
Now, we need your support to continue this vital work. By donating to ASN and joining our Giving Tuesday campaign, you can directly impact the lives of Afghan families and countless refugees and immigrants here in Oregon. Your generosity will help us provide essential emergency assistance, legal and immigration support, and the resources needed to empower individuals like Maryam Karimi to rebuild their lives.
Together, we can ensure that every refugee and immigrant finds hope, stability, and the opportunity to thrive in their new home. Visit ASN’s Giving Tuesday page to lend a helping hand today!