Expert Bio

Hakima Hakimi is the Program Coordinator of the Global Women’s Leadership Initiative and Women in Public Service Project at the Wilson Center. As a professional Afghan who lived, studied and worked in conflict-affected areas, she brings extensive experience and understanding of development projects and how to influence and change individuals and communities.

Hakima has more than 10 years of experience working on international development projects. Prior to the Wilson Center, she worked with USAID Afghanistan managing projects totaling $100 million to support vulnerable groups including women, children and youth.

During her work with USAID Afghanistan, Hakima helped female graduates to join the public sector, in addition, she supported private sector actors to create more jobs for youth and enabled women-owned businesses to increase their income and have access to international markets.

In addition to her work with USAID, Hakima has worked with local NGOs as well as the National Democratic Institute (NDI). Hakima has trained and mentored civil society organizations, political parties, police officers, government officials and journalists on gender equality, child protection, human rights, domestic violence against women and workforce development.

Hakima graduated from Herat University, Afghanistan on law and political science in 2007.