Manizha Wafeq

Manizha Wafeq is a distinguished development practitioner, expert in women’s economic empowerment, and a dedicated policy advocate. Her persistent advocacy efforts led to the establishment of the Afghanistan Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AWCCI), bringing about significant policy changes. Notable among these changes is the implementation of a 5% preferential clause for women-owned businesses in the national procurement procedure, ensuring increased access to government contracts. Additionally, her influence resulted in the allocation of 15-25% of industrial parks’ lands to small, medium, and women-owned businesses as per the national industrial park’s policy. During her professional career, she has worked with various international aid agencies such as Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), German International Cooperation (GIZ), USAID’s Implementing Partners and United Nations Development Program (UNDP). With over 20 years of experience in development, with a dedicated focus on women’s empowerment and gender equality for 16 years, Manizha has positively impacted the lives of thousands of women. In her role as the PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS country facilitator and trainer, she has directly trained and mentored approximately 700 women from over 17 provinces of Afghanistan in the last 17 years. She has co-authored a training manual on Business Start-ups and contributed to the creation of “Gender and the Legal Framework of Afghanistan.” She is founder of Bibi Khadija Award; An annual award honoring successful businesswomen and role models in Afghanistan. The award is named after the Prophet Mohammad's wife who was the first Muslim woman trader. She founded madebyafghanwomen.com a sales platform to support women businesses connect to their businesses around the world. She is the winner of several awards such as the Enterprising Women Magazine’s Advocacy and Leadership Award, Leadership Award from the National Business Association of the US, and Young Activist Award from the Afghan Women's Network and the Afghan Lower House of the Parliament. She also won the award for the best membership services and entrepreneurship development of SMEs at the 11th World Chambers Congress. She has MBA from the American University of Afghanistan and she is a mother of 9 years old Tasnim (girl).