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. She is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ehtesab, a civic technology startup in Kabul, Afghanistan.[1]
Biography
Wahedi founded Ehtesab in 2018.[2] 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. Ehtesab enables its users to report on local incidents, establishing it as Afghanistan's first citizen engagement platform.[3] It provides real-time security alerts and updates in three languages.[1][2] The app combats misinformation by providing real-time updates on Kabul's security, energy, and traffic situations.[4] 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.[5] The app is developing covert platforms to enable women to discreetly access healthcare, education, and employment services, thereby bypassing Taliban surveillance.[3]
Wahedi was recognized as one of TIME Magazine's Next Generation Leaders in 2021 and was listed among MIT Technology Review's Innovators Under 35 in 2022.[6]
References
- ^ a b "Afghan-Canadian entrepreneur's new mobile app helps keep civilians updated on nearby security issues". The Globe and Mail. 2021-08-24. Retrieved 2024-06-14.
- ^ 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 2024-06-14.
- ^ a b Fair, Vanity (2024-01-23). "A Brave New World". Vanity Fair. Retrieved 2024-06-14.
- ^ "Refugee advocate develops app to bring real-time protection to people in Afghanistan". www.unrefugees.org. Retrieved 2024-06-14.
- ^ Mansoor, Sanya (2021-10-13). "This Tech CEO Helps Fellow Afghans Feel Safer Every Day". TIME. Retrieved 2024-06-14.
- ^ "Sara Wahedi". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-06-14.