While Nagina Iqbal is pursuing her Master’s degree in Germany, her 16-year-old sister can no longer attend school in Afghanistan. At 29 years old, Nagina from Nangarhar province but spent her life in different provinces of Afghanistan, including Kabul, Nangarhar and Herat, where she lived with her family of seven, including two sisters, two brothers and Nagina. When the Taliban first took power in Afghanistan in the late 1990s, Nagina’s parents made the difficult decision to leave everything behind. They migrated to Pakistan so that Nagina and her older sister could receive an education. “My mother told my father that she didn’t want her children to become illiterate.” The family lived in Pakistan for four years until a new regime was established in Afghanistan. 

Her name, Nagina, means “precious gem,” symbolizing beauty and value. “My parents chose the name Nagina because they believed that a name with such meaningful and beautiful connotations would reflect how they see me as a valuable part of their lives,” she says. Nagina comes from an educated family; her mother is a doctor and her father is an engineer.

After receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Corporate Administration and Relations from Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), awarded through a merit-based scholarship based on her university entrance exam scores, Nagina began working in the humanitarian field in Afghanistan. “Growing up in Afghanistan, I witnessed the difficulties faced by vulnerable populations, especially women and children. This motivated me to use my skills to help those in need.” She believes that humanitarian work is the most effective way to make a real difference and bring hope to people’s lives.

Starting as a marketing specialist and later becoming a project manager with World Vision Afghanistan, Nagina focused on initiatives to empower women, helping women acquire vocational skills to earn an income and support their families. She also contributed to projects aimed at providing education to young children in rural Afghanistan while giving their mothers the skills necessary to achieve financial independence. “I helped create safer spaces for children, ensuring their well-being. Every project was carefully tailored to address the specific needs of the communities, ensuring a meaningful and lasting impact.”

Studying in Malaysia was a journey that Nagina has always cherished, as it was a life-changing experience for her. “It wasn’t just about the scholarship—it was about how my parents’ belief in me helped me get there.” Her parents always encouraged the children to equip themselves for life by pursuing an education. “Since I was a child, they taught me the importance of education and motivated me to do my best. From a young age, they instilled in me and my siblings the belief that learning is the key to shaping our future. They encouraged me to pursue my dreams, no matter how big they are.” She exposed herself to a diverse cultural environment and to international perspectives. One of her happiest moments was contributing to the organization of cultural events through the International Students Society, which fostered camaraderie among students from different backgrounds. To further enhance her skills, she completed the Leadership Development Program at Morningstar Institute in Afghanistan. “This training refined my ability to lead effectively, particularly in challenging environments.”

Nagina left Afghanistan to seek safety and protection, driven by her compassion for the vulnerable people she encountered nearby. She understands that the humanitarian situation in the country is at a critical juncture. Moreover, the challenges faced by female workers in the field have exacerbated an extremely difficult situation. “It’s truly painful to see such talented and dedicated women, including my colleagues and friends, unable to contribute to their communities. Many of them possess incredible skills and passion but are prevented from helping those in need. Their absence has created a significant void, especially for the vulnerable who depend on their support,” she says. Nagina hopes that the world, along with organizations like the United Nations, the World Bank, and Human Rights Watch, will listen to their voices and take meaningful action to ensure these women can return to their vital work.

The evacuation process from Afghanistan to Germany was not easy for Nagina. “Leaving Afghanistan was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. The first time I left, I was very young and did not fully understand what was happening, but when the Taliban returned to power in 2021, I was forced to leave once again, marking the painful loss of my homeland for the second time. The journey was full of fear and uncertainty, but it also gave me hope for a safer future. What broke my heart into pieces was leaving my family behind, especially my 16-year-old sister, who can no longer go to school. The thought of her missing out on education and a better future still hurts deeply.” The journey took her through Iran for about a month, and she was all alone. “It was a time of so much loss—first losing my homeland, then saying goodbye to loved ones.” Coming to Germany with just two suitcases and starting over from scratch was overwhelming for Nagina. “It wasn’t an easy journey, and even now, my heart aches for my sister and the millions of women and girls who are denied their basic rights.” In light of her situation, she tried to focus on adjusting to her new life and making the best of the opportunities.

When Nagina arrived in Germany, she struggled with the language barrier and had to wait over six months due to waiting list to start language school. “Those six months were difficult. I’m used to being active and always doing something, so not having anything to do made me feel lost and disconnected.” Once she began learning German, it was challenging at first, but over time she started to enjoy it. After a year and a half, she reached a C1 level of proficiency with excellent results. With her international work experience, which included an internship as a Corporate Secretary at MINC Corporate Consultants in Malaysia, Nagina began working as a freelance translator for the humanitarian group Caritas. This role not only allowed her to support those in need but also helped her improve her German-speaking skills and integrate better into her new country. “Adjusting to a new culture and academic system wasn’t easy, but with patience and determination, I gradually found my way.”

Nagina is committed to continuing her journey in the humanitarian sector and has started pursuing a Master’s in International Management. She chose this degree because it provides essential skills for humanitarian work, including strategic planning, leadership, and management. “I have always been passionate about creating positive change, particularly for women and children in vulnerable situations, and I believe this degree will equip me with the tools to make a meaningful impact. The combination of business knowledge and a global perspective aligns perfectly with my goals in the humanitarian sector.” Entering the program in Germany was relatively smooth for her, despite a six-month delay in the approval process. “While I had to wait for approval, I remained focused and used that time to prepare for the challenges ahead. Balancing my studies with other responsibilities was not always easy, but I stayed determined and persistent, knowing that this journey would bring me closer to my goal of making a real difference in the world.”

Besides her studies, Nagina helps organize events to bring students together and make them feel at home. “along with two other colleagues, we plan events like dinner nights and “Heimcafe,” where students cook, bake, and spend time together. It’s a chance for everyone to meet, chat, and create a sense of community, so they don’t feel so far from home.” She is also engaged with Afghanistan Youth Leaders Assembly, in a new project that focuses on helping Afghan girls in Afghanistan learn German through online courses. “Our goal is to find donors and teachers who can support these girls in learning the language and getting certified. This will open doors for them to study in Germany through programs like Ausbildung or pursue a bachelor’s degree in this country.”

She is concerned about the current situation of women and girls in Afghanistan. “Women and girls are being denied their most basic rights, the right to learn, to dream, and to shape their own futures. It breaks my heart to see so much talent and potential being silenced just because of their gender.” She believes that change is possible: “If we come together and take action, we can make a real difference. By providing education and opportunities, we can help those who are suffering find hope and build better lives. Education isn’t just about learning, it’s about gaining confidence, independence, and the power to decide your own path. When we help one person rise, we uplift entire families and communities.”

“Empowering others isn’t just something kind to do, it’s a way to fight injustice and bring hope where it’s needed most. If we care enough to take action, we can create a world where everyone, no matter their situation, has the chance to thrive. Together, we can build a future that’s fairer, kinder, and full of possibilities for all.”