Sara Wahedi
Sara Wahedi | |
|---|---|
| Born | Sara Wahedi |
| Nationality | Afghan-Canadian |
| Education | Columbia University |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, Businesswoman |
Sara Wahedi is an Afghan-Canadian social entrepreneur.[1] She is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ehtesab, a civic technology startup in Kabul, Afghanistan.[2][3]
Biography[edit]
Wahedi founded Ehtesab in 2018.[4][5] She started the company with $2,500 of her own savings and later attracted investment from a New York-based tech design entrepreneur, and Netlinks, one of Afghanistan's largest IT companies, which contributed an additional $40,000.[2] Ehtesab enables its users to report on local incidents, establishing it as Afghanistan's first citizen engagement platform.[6] It provides real-time security alerts and updates in three languages.[4] The app combats misinformation by providing real-time updates on Kabul's security, energy, and traffic situations.[7] In 2021, it proved especially valuable to residents during the bombings, roadblocks, and attacks that occurred as the Taliban regained control. At that time, the company employed 20 people.[8] The app is developing covert platforms to enable women to discreetly access healthcare, education, and employment services, thereby bypassing Taliban surveillance.[6][9]
Accolades[edit]
- Wahedi was recognized as one of TIME Magazine's Next Generation Leaders in 2021.[10]
- She was listed among MIT Technology Review's Innovators Under 35 in 2022.[11][12]
- In 2023, she was awarded as Entrepreneur of the Year by One Young World.[13][14]
- Wahedi was included in Top 100 inspiring and influential women by BBC in 2021.[10]
- In 2023, she was named to Forbes "30 Under 30" list for Social Impact.[15]
References[edit]
- ^ "Homegrown app helping Kabul residents steer clear of danger". www.ft.com. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
- ^ a b "Afghan-Canadian entrepreneur's new mobile app helps keep civilians updated on nearby security issues". The Globe and Mail. August 24, 2021. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
- ^ "US sends more troops as Kabul braces for Taliban onslaught". www.ft.com. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
- ^ a b Duffy, Kate. "The founder of a Kabul-based startup says she deleted details of her female staff to protect them as the Taliban neared the city". Business Insider. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
- ^ Sengupta, Trisha (September 24, 2023). "Entrepreneur shares pic of Kabul's women-run eatery before Taliban takeover". Hindustan Times.
- ^ a b Fair, Vanity (January 23, 2024). "A Brave New World". Vanity Fair. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
- ^ "Refugee advocate develops app to bring real-time protection to people in Afghanistan". www.unrefugees.org. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
- ^ Mansoor, Sanya (October 13, 2021). "This Tech CEO Helps Fellow Afghans Feel Safer Every Day". TIME. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
- ^ "Fear over dystopian change to nation's shop windows: 'Erasing women'". Yahoo News. January 22, 2023. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
- ^ a b "BBC 100 Women 2021: Who is on the list this year?". December 7, 2021. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
- ^ "Sara Wahedi". Forbes. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
- ^ "Sara Wahedi". MIT Technology Review. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
- ^ "Sara Wahedi". interview-her.com. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
- ^ "Introducing the Winners of the Entrepreneur of the Year 2023 supported by TFG Asset Management | One Young World". www.oneyoungworld.com. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
- ^ "Forbes 30 Under 30 2023: Social Impact". Forbes. Retrieved June 14, 2024.