Mariam Safi is a distinguished Afghan researcher, civil society leader, and peace-building practitioner recognized for her impactful work in political analysis, security studies, and advancing women’s rights in Afghanistan. As the founding director of the Organization for Policy Research and Development Studies (DROPS), she has established a think tank dedicated to fostering informed policy dialogue and delivering research-driven solutions.
Safi also founded Bishanw, an initiative amplifying Afghan women’s voices within multilateral policy discussions. Her work centers on championing gender equality and incorporating gender-segregated data into policy-making. Through her leadership and advocacy, Mariam Safi has earned national and international acclaim, inspiring a new generation of researchers and activists.
This October, we proudly marked DROPS’ ten-year anniversary. Reflecting on its creation, I am reminded of the two critical reasons that drove me to establish DROPS: to address the glaring absence of women researchers, which left policy discourse devoid of essential women’s perspectives, and to bridge the disconnect between government and evidence-based research. My goal was clear—to ensure that research informs policy-making and that women’s influence is central in shaping that evidence.
Today, my team and I are proud of the strides we have made. Despite the profound challenges and upheavals following the fall of the republic, DROPS has emerged stronger and more resilient. Through our Bishnaw digital tools, we capture insights from thousands of women across all 34 provinces on a regular basis, elevating their voices and needs to the international stage. WWe continue to offer impactful policy training for Afghan youth and train young women in research methodology through our annual Women and Public Policy Journals, while advocating for evidence-based policies to ensure that global policymakers ground their decisions in the lived realities of all Afghans.
“At DROPS, we are dedicated to supporting a future for Afghanistan that truly reflects its people’s aspirations—built on inclusivity, good governance, the rule of law, and respect for human rights.”
Follow DROPS on X
