Freshta Karim

Freshta Karim is an internationally recognized advocate for girls' education, resilience, and leadership in times of crisis. As the founder of Charmaghz, Afghanistan's first mobile library initiative, Karim has dedicated her career to ensuring that girls in conflict-affected and conservative communities have access to education and opportunities to thrive. Her work has reached over half a million children—half of them girls—across Afghanistan, offering not only learning but also hope and a sense of belonging.

Born and raised in Kabul, Karim became a refugee twice—once as a child and again as an adult following the Taliban’s return to power. Her personal journey, from reporting as a child journalist to becoming a globally respected leader, shapes her powerful storytelling on stage. She speaks with authenticity, vulnerability, and vision about girls' education, displacement, women’s leadership, and navigating uncertainty with courage.

Karim holds a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Oxford. She also served as a senior advisor to the Malala Fund, focusing on advancing girls' education in some of the most challenging contexts. Her expertise has been featured at high-profile platforms including the United Nations Security Council, the BBC, The Guardian, Al Jazeera, the European Union, Rotary Club Oxford, and Rotary Club London.

She has spoken at global venues such as the World Economic Forum, Education World Forum, United Nations, Oxford University, BBC World Service, the European Union, Rotary Club Oxford, Rotary Club London, Monkton Combe School, Wells Cathedral School, and Sherborne Girls School. Her advocacy and impact have earned her numerous recognitions, including being named to Forbes 30 Under 30, BBC’s 100 Influential Women, and receiving the Library of Congress Literacy Award for her work with Charmaghz.

Karim now resides in the United States, where she continues her work as a speaker, NGO leader, and advisor focused on advancing girls' education, leadership, and building resilient communities.