Education is Her Revolution — and We Stand Beside Her.

Empowering women through creative education, digital skills, and global employment opportunities.

ABOUT THE FOUNDER

Zorah Amin Poor — Founder & Executive Director

Zorah Amin Poor is the Founder and Executive Director of NAVA International. Born and raised in Afghanistan, she spent more than 15 years working with international organizations—including Roots of Peace and Integrity Watch Afghanistan—leading programs focused on development, integrity, and community empowerment.

She holds a Master's degree in Political Science and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). Following the fall of Afghanistan in 2021, she was forced to leave her country. Since 2023, she has been rebuilding her life and continuing her mission from the United States.

NAVA International was born from a deeply personal conviction: that education is the most powerful tool a woman can hold, and that no girl should lose her future because of where she was born. Through the organization, women and girls in places where education is restricted, unavailable, or banned gain access to education, digital skills, and the confidence to build independent futures.

At the heart of her work is a simple belief: when women achieve financial independence, they gain real power, and communities become stronger. That is why NAVA International goes beyond training. Graduates are prepared for freelance careers, while NAVA International secures real projects and connects them with clients, helping them earn sustainable incomes with dignity.

Based in Rocklin, California, Zorah leads the organization's strategy, partnerships, and programs, working to create lasting opportunities for women around the world.

About NAVA International

NAVA International is a global non-profit organization empowering women in underprivileged and conflict-affected regions through education, digital skills, and global opportunities.

Founded on the belief that education is the bridge from silence to independence, NAVA International helps women access the tools, knowledge, and support they need to build sustainable futures — even in the world's most challenging environments.

Afghan women reading book.

Beyond the Burqa — Amplifying Women’s Voices Through Storytelling

News
November 24, 2025•1 min read

Beyond the Burqa — Amplifying Women’s Voices Through Storytelling

Introduction

Stories have the power to challenge perspectives, connect people, and create change. For Afghan women, storytelling is more than expression — it is visibility, healing, and liberation.

Why Storytelling Matters

In many conflict-affected communities, women’s voices are overlooked or silenced. Storytelling helps:

  • Reclaim identity

  • Turn pain into power

  • Inspire understanding

  • Break stereotypes

When women share their stories, they become active participants in shaping their communities and their futures.

Afghan school girls going toward school.

The Beyond the Burqa Project

NAVA’s Beyond the Burqa Project amplifies women’s voices through:

  • Personal stories

  • Short documentaries

  • Visual narratives

  • Digital storytelling

Through these platforms, Afghan women are seen as leaders of resilience, creativity, and hope — not victims.

A Featured Story

One storyteller shared her experience of navigating life during conflict. Her narrative touched thousands, proving how powerful visibility can be.

How Storytelling Creates Opportunity

Visibility leads to opportunity. By sharing their stories, women gain:

  • Confidence

  • New connections

  • Creative skills

  • Chances to collaborate globally

Conclusion

The world needs more stories from Afghan women. By amplifying their voices, we not only honor their experiences — we help create a more equitable future.

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Our Core Programs

Two interconnected initiatives driving change and opportunity

Education & Employment Initiative

We provide women with access to practical education — from digital design and communication to technology and entrepreneurship — and connect them with real global employers, freelance platforms, and training partners.

Beyond the Burqa Project By NAVA International

Our creative storytelling platform amplifies women's voices across the globe. Through personal stories, short documentaries, and visual media, we highlight women as leaders of resilience, creativity, and hope.

Empowerment Begins with Visibility

At NAVA International, we believe every woman deserves to learn, create, and lead her own future. Your support changes lives.