Hadia Naimi is no stranger to hardship. She had always wanted to obtain an international post-graduate education but had to turn down three scholarship offers due to financial constraints. Hadia, who is from Badakhshan province in Afghanistan, was employed on an exciting project with GIZ, the German Development Agency in Afghanistan, when she chose to invest her time and energy in her personal growth. She applied for a USAID-sponsored education scholarship that offered extensive financial support. She was accepted, and Hadia quickly found her feet among new surroundings in India where she is pursuing a master’s degree in business administration at Amity University, New Delhi.

Hadia talks eagerly of the new experience university life provides. For example, she recently participated in a six-day military training organized by the university, and in a debate competion, she successfully argued in favor of a career in defense for women. Hadia was awarded a gold medal for her arguments, which is especially noteworthy as she had little foreign language training.

The Asia Foundation's Promote Master's program, funded by USAID, is supporting 149 women to pursue post-graduate degrees in various fields in India. For many scholars, being able to rely on financial assistance and the Foundation’s counseling support is critical to their academic success.

Most of the scholarship recipients have work experience, and the opportunity to study professional courses strengthens their career trajectories. Their education is equipping them with specializations to contribute meaningfully to Afghanistan's development. Hadia hopes to continue to be a trailblazer and is looking forward to contributing to the agriculture sector in Afghanistan. Hadia strongly believes that “education is key to a successful and peaceful life!”