LSO BOARD OF DIRECTORS
LSO is governed by an independent and highly reputable Board of Directors, which provides strategic direction, governance, fundraising support, and ensures supervision and accountability. The board includes representatives from diverse sectors of Afghan society, such as civil society, public sector, finance, management, private sector, and specific cross-cutting and thematic interest groups (e.g., youth, women, disabled, and marginalized communities). LSO’s Board of Directors comprises experienced, proactive members who are geographically diverse with 50% female representation, and committed to the organization’s mission, its primary purpose is to govern, oversee, and promote LSO. The board plays a crucial role in ensuring the organization’s success and its standing as a respected and legitimate force for community development and the empowerment of disadvantaged groups.

Zakia Rezaiee (Chair of Board): Ms. Rezaiee holds a Master’s degree in Law and Political Science, with over ten years of experience in women’s rights and gender equality. Ms. Rezaiee began her career as MoU Manager at the Ministry of Women Affairs, she later served as the Director of the Directorate of Women Affairs in both Daikundi and Bamyan provinces. Ms. Rezaiee was the Head of the Daikundi Directorate of Women Affairs for seven years and subsequently became the Director of the Bamyan Directorate of Women Affairs for three years. She joined the LSO Board of Directors on March 1, 2022.

Benazir Sedaqat (Voting Member): Ms. Sedaqat is a professional with a bachelor’s degree in Law and Political Science and holdes a master’s degree in Criminal Law. Since March 2023, she has been serving as the Child Protection Focal Point at the Afghan Women Skills Development Center (AWSDC). Ms. Sedaqat has received specialized training in child protection, social cohesion, and women’s rights, including legal assistance, from renowned national and international organizations such as the Asia Foundation and UNHCR and was a part of five-month judicial internship at national courts in Kabul. She has accumulated seven years of experience working with various national organizations, in addition to her role as a professional writer and manager for civic and family courts in Daykundi and Bamyan provinces.

Benazir Jafari (Voting Member): Ms. Benazir is an accomplished legal professional and advocate, having graduated from the Faculty of Law with over seven years of dedicated experience championing women’s rights and child protection in the rural regions of Daikundi province, she has played a pivotal role in advancing social change. Ms. Jafari served as the Law Manager at the Directorate of Women’s Affairs for five years, where she led various initiatives aimed at empowering women and ensuring legal protection. She further distinguished herself by taking on the role of Head of the Directorate of Women’s Affairs in Nili, Daikundi, overseeing critical programs and policies. In January 2022, Ms. Jafari was appointed to the board of directors of LSO, where she has been an instrumental force in shaping the organization’s strategic vision, driving fundraising efforts, and fostering key partnerships for sustainable growth and impact.

M. Jawad Rezai (Voting Member): Mr. Rezai holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics. Since July 2019, he has been an Education Project Officer with Catholic Relief Services (CRS), where he has made significant contributions to program development and implementation. With over 20 years of extensive experience in the development sector, he has worked in capacity building, organizational development, and strengthening the operational capacities of NGOs and civil society organizations. His expertise spans critical sectors, including health, education, food security, nutrition, and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) in the central highland region of Afghanistan. Additionally, he has a robust 9-year background in logistics, human resources, and finance, with the UN and international NGOs, managing cross-functional teams and complex operations. His solid track record also includes significant experience in monitoring and evaluation, where he has successfully engaged with a wide range of stakeholders. He is highly regarded for his proficiency in tools such as WINGS II, CommCare, and Kobo Toolbox, and is recognized for his ability to deliver impactful solutions in the field.

Ayoub Amiry (Voting Member): Mr. Amiry holds a bachelor’s degree in Natural Science and Mathematics and brings over a decade of experience in the fields of education and youth development. For five years, he has served as the Director of the Education Directorate in Bamyan province, where he demonstrated strong leadership in educational policy and development. For over ten years, Mr. Amiry has possessed extensive expertise in administration, strategic management, data analysis, and policy formulation. He was also recognized as specialist in educational policy at the Ministry of Education, contributing to the advancement of the national education framework.