40 Under 40 Award Winners

Manizha Wafeq

After completing her bachelor’s in economics from Kardan University, Manizha is now pursuing her MBA at the American University of Afghanistan. She is currently working as Chairperson of Board of Directors, Leading Entrepreneurs for Afghanistan Development (LEAD) which is an advocacy platform for giving recognition to women’s economic participation and to enhancing their role in the development of the country.

She has more than ten years of experience in the development sector working with major national and international organizations like Checchi and Company, Consulting, Global Nomad Group, Policy Consultant, Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Women’s Policy Development Center, DevTech Systems and GIZ etc.

Manizha is the Founder of Bibi Khadija Award, an annual award for women business owners to recognize successful and role models of the Business sector in Afghanistan. She’s also the Co-Founder and Chair of the Board of Directors Leading Entrepreneurs for Afghanistan Development (LEAD) and Peace Through Business Network (PTBN), and Executive Board member, Afghan Women’s Network.

She has authored, co-authored or translated several policy papers and booklets related to gender mainstreaming and business support for women.