Zahra Noorullhaq

An image showcasing Carpet Weaving project she did , which created livelihood for 63 women in logar province Afghanistan.

Zahra Noorullhaq, She/her/hers

Founder & Director, Afghanistan Humanitarian Development and Disability Organization, Afghanistan

Zahra Noorullhaq is a humanitarian and disability inclusion leader who has been advancing the rights and wellbeing of women, girls, and people with disabilities in Afghanistan since 2017 through the Afghanistan Humanitarian Development and Disability Organization. Her work focuses on livelihoods, mental health support, advocacy, protection, and organizational development, with particular attention to marginalized communities. Since May 2024, Zahra has led initiatives focused on strengthening organizational capacity, training staff, providing emergency support, and expanding women’s economic empowerment. In 2024, she managed approximately $30,000 in projects funded by UN Women and CIVICUS to strengthen organizational systems and support vulnerable women. In 2025, she led a $45,000 UN Women-funded carpet-weaving project that helped 63 women and girls establish livelihoods and small businesses, as well as a $10,000 SVRI-funded mental health initiative benefiting 50 women. Through her leadership, the organization’s programs have benefited more than 25,000 women and girls, most of whom are people with disabilities or members of marginalized communities. Zahra’s work demonstrates how humanitarian support, economic empowerment, mental health services, and disability inclusion can work together to create greater safety, independence, and opportunity.