"Never doubt that a small, group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead

Inspiring Mothers will feature the stories of 13 mothers representing diverse cultures and socio-economics.  From Afghanistan to Israel, Senegal to the United States, these women will be interviewed and photographed in their local environments to capture the essence of their lives as mothers and activists.

The problems in Afghanistan are all connected; violence, lack of education, and inadequate health care contribute to a ver y difficult situation for children. Especially during the time of the Taliban, children were deprived of education, girls were forbidden to go to school by law, and women were imprisoned in their houses. Of course we know that the health and happiness of children is closely tied to the circumstances of the mother. Our vision at Jalal Foundation is to give every child — boys and girls — a good education. We also want their mothers to be healthy, literate, with skills and income — fully participating and powerful. As a mother, it is my life’s work.
 
During my presidential campaign, people were welcoming and supportive. I never had a bodyguard, since the people were guarding me; I did not have a political party, people themselves were organizing the gatherings. My candidacy led the Afghan community to realize women can be leaders and led afghan women to develop a political consciousness.

Dr. Massouda Jalal, Founder and Chairperson of the Jalal Foundation and Afghan Women’s Empowerment Institute; Independent Candidate for President; ex Minister of Women’s Affairs; and pediatrician. The Jalal Foundation is the first ever women led, women focused non-governmental organization in Afghanistan, serving as an empowerment platform and resource center for capacity building of Afghan women and girls. Dr. Jalal has lived her entire life in Afghanistan, speaks six languages, and is the mother of two daughters and a son. www.jalalfoundation.org.