AWS Board Team
Together, we are architects of change, weaving dreams into reality, and illuminating the path of opportunity for Afghan women.
Selai Balkhi
Founder and President
Elaine O'Brien
Board Member, Finance Leader and AWS Teacher
Robin and James
English Bridging Program Leader
Asra S.
Local Leader and Coordinator
Nabi Anis Tobish
Internship Manager & Global Health Advisor
Selai Balkhi
Founder and Leader
Hello, I'm Selai Balkhi, founder and leader of the Afghan Women Support Association (AWS). With deep roots in Afghanistan and a vibrant upbringing in Switzerland, I've always been driven by a sense of justice and a passion for education. I spent seven years as a primary school teacher in Switzerland, where I witnessed the transformative power of education firsthand.
My connection to Afghanistan is profound. I've traveled there four times, witnessing the challenges faced by women. These experiences inspired me to take action, leading to the founding of AWS. Our mission is to empower Afghan women, providing them with opportunities, education, and sustainable change.
In addition to my teaching role, I'm pursuing a Master's degree in Educational Science (MSc). This academic pursuit deepens my commitment to addressing the unique challenges women face in education. AWS is more than an organization; it's a movement driven by compassion and the belief in every woman's potential..
Contact: selai.balkhi@afghanwomensupport.ch
Elaine O'Brien
Leader Finance
I have always been passionate about human rights and women’s education, which led me to join Afghan Women Support as a volunteer teacher in early 2024. Since then, being part of AWS has been a constant source of inspiration for me.
“The students, the local staff, and the other volunteers at AWS continuously remind me of the powerful impact of human connection—and the strength we can give each other as we strive for a better world.”
I hold a Master’s degree in International & European Law from the University of Amsterdam and a Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainable Business from the University of Cambridge. Professionally, I work as Head of Sustainability Risk Management at Swiss Re and serve as a board member of the UN Principles for Sustainable Insurance.
I grew up in Ireland and now live in Zurich. I am a dual citizen of Ireland and Switzerland.
Contact: elaine.obrien@afghanwomensupport.ch
Asra S.
Leader and Coordinator (Afghanistan)
Greetings, I am Asra. S., an activist and advocate for women's rights and education, holding a Bachelor's degree in Law from Kabul. My journey as an activist is fueled by the belief that education and empowerment are key to progress.
As the coordinator of Afghan Women Support, I guide dedicated teachers in Afghanistan, ensuring they have the resources to provide quality education. I also oversee our impactful bag project, empowering women through skill development and entrepreneurship.
Managing our English classrooms, I help break language barriers and open opportunities for our students, connecting Afghan women with the global community. My work is driven by the belief that every woman deserves the chance to learn, grow, and prosper.
Contact: asra.stanikzai@afghanwomensupport.ch
Robin and James
Leaders Bridging Program classes,
Volunteer Recruitment
Hi there! We’re Robin and James, the coordinators for the English Bridging Program. We have been educators for many years - over 25 years teaching children in primary, middle and secondary school and over 5 years teaching in a four-year teacher education program at a university. We have been lucky to see the way learning has impacted the lives of our students, and we are very excited to join AWS and their efforts to make this possible for women in Afghanistan. Whether we are teachers or students, there is so much to learn for all of us.
Contact: education@afghanwomensupport.ch
Suhaila N.
Technical support and robotics (Afghanistan)
I am a young Afghan woman whose formal education was interrupted after the ban on girls’ schooling. Despite these challenges, I chose to continue learning on my own, developing my skills in robotics, coding, art, and technical problem-solving.
Today, I support Afghan Women Support locally by helping with process coordination, teaching robotics, and implementing the BEEKEE offline learning system. Through my work, I aim to contribute to strengthening educational opportunities for others, especially girls and young women.
My journey reflects resilience, creativity, and determination. I believe in the power of learning and in the potential of young Afghan women to grow, lead, and create change—even when formal opportunities are limited.
Nabi Anis Tobish
Internship Manager & Global Health Advisor
Hi everyone, I’m Nabi Anis Tobish. I come from a healthcare and teaching background in Switzerland, where I worked as a radiology professional at Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) while also teaching at a University of Applied Sciences. Supporting students and interns in building both their skills and confidence has been a particularly meaningful part of my journey.
Seeking to engage more directly with global health challenges, I joined two humanitarian missions in Yemen focused on strengthening radiology services across six hospitals. My work combined training, system assessments, and hands-on support for local teams.
At the same time, my involvement with Afghan Women Support has been deeply meaningful, allowing me to connect with Afghan communities, contribute to empowerment through education, and stay closely linked to my cultural roots.
I am currently completing a Master’s in Global Health. What drives me is a strong commitment to education, healthcare, and human dignity, and the belief that access to care and knowledge should be universal.