Notable Roles | - Founder & Executive Director, Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL) |
Key Recognition | - Opus Prize (2013) |
Background and Early Foundations
Dr. Sakena Yacoobi was born in Herat, Afghanistan, in 1950. In the 1970s, she moved to the United States, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from the University of the Pacific in 1977 and a master’s degree in public health from Loma Linda University. She worked as a professor and health consultant in Michigan before returning to Afghanistan in 1990. There, she worked with Afghan refugees in Pakistan and published eight Dari-language teacher training guides. During this time, Yacoobi served as an Agency Coordinating Body for Afghan Relief delegate, working on the education element of the United Nation’s Rehabilitation Plan for Afghanistan.
Career Milestones and Impact
Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
1995 | Founded the Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL) to support girls' education under Taliban rule. |
2001 | Established the first post-Taliban Learning Centers for Afghan women and children. |
2015 | Opened a free legal aid clinic for Afghan women through AIL. |
2020 | Honored globally for reaching over 16 million Afghans through education, health, and legal programs. |
- Reach: Since its inception, AIL has impacted over 16 million Afghans through its programs.
- Annual Beneficiaries: AIL educates over 350,000 women and children every year and has reached over one million people.
- Programs: AIL operates training programs, Learning Centres, schools, medical clinics, and legal clinics in both Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Leadership Style and Influence
Dr. Sakena Yacoobi is renowned for her grassroots approach to education and health services, emphasizing community involvement and cultural sensitivity. Her leadership has been instrumental in empowering Afghan women and children, providing them with the tools and knowledge to improve their lives. She has been a prominent speaker on the education of women and children in Afghanistan, including giving talks for the Clinton Foundation, the California Governor’s Conference on Women, the World Economic Forum, the D. D. Kosambi Festival of Ideas, the World Justice Forum, and the TEDWomen Conference.
Legacy and Future Focus
Dr. Yacoobi’s unwavering commitment to education and women’s rights has earned her international acclaim. She continues to advocate for the empowerment of Afghan women and children through education, health services, and legal support. Her work with AIL and Creating Hope International serves as a model for grassroots initiatives worldwide.
