Mahboba Rawi

Director, Mahboba's Promise

The ultimate feel-good story
This is the ultimate feel-good story of how one woman can make a difference, but it is also the story of an extraordinary woman's life. Forced to flee Kabul after leading student protests against the Russian invasion, Mahboba learned first-hand what it's like to be a refugee in Pakistan. How despite the best of intentions aid organisations are rarely able to deliver aid directly to the people who need it most - and by the time everyone has taken their cut there is little or nothing left to give. After the tragic death of her son and being left to bring up two children alone, Mahboba faced a crossroads.

Fighting spirit
Instead of giving into grief she fought back, slowly piecing her life back together by helping other Afghani women, pioneering English classes and even a learn to swim program. But it was a letter from a young Afghani doctor begging for help to save refugee orphans dying on the streets of Kabul that changed her life - and thousands of others. 
She and her friends raised $120 that day. To prove they received the money, the young doctor sent back the children's fingerprints. That did it. Mahboba knew she had to do more. Soon she became 'mother' to 35 children, supporting them single-handedly through her own fundraising. Today she is mother to hundreds.

Mahboba's Promise

Mahboba's Promise is an Australian non-profit organisation dedicated to helping the women and children of Afghanistan. 

Who We Are  
 Mahboba's Promise was founded by Mahboba Rawi, herself a refugee from Afghanistan, now an Australian citizen.  

How We Work
Being small and having Mahboba’s knowledge of the language and culture, the organisation has been able to respond quickly and with flexibility to meet the needs of widows and children disenfranchised by decades of war and civil unrest.

What We Do              
We work with widows and children to improve education, offer vocational training and establish them as self sufficient. We have started schools for girls in areas where they had no educational opportunities.  Primary health care in rural areas and provision of clean drinking water are among the many other projects undertaken over the last few years.