“The main difference between us and our clients is largely a matter of geographical luck.”
Zahra was born in the early 90s just outside of Tehran, Iran, to Hazara Afghan refugee parents. From an early age, her life was shaped by displacement, resistance, and an unwavering love of sport.
“Growing up, I faced many barriers as a refugee girl passionate about sports, especially in a society that discouraged female participation,” she recalls. “Despite these challenges, I fell in love with soccer, often practicing in secret and organizing games with other girls who shared the same dream.”
In 2004, her family returned to Afghanistan, where Zahra doubled down on her commitment to advancing women’s participation in sport. She was recruited to Afghanistan’s first women’s national soccer team in 2007, and by 2010, she had become its captain. She also helped launch the country’s Under-14 girls’ team and made history in 2011 by becoming the first Afghan woman to receive an internationally recognized "C" coaching license. Later, she served as the head of the Women’s Committee at the Afghanistan Football Federation. Her work led to international recognition, including receiving the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award in 2013.
But Zahra’s activism didn’t go unnoticed — or unpunished.
As threats from the Taliban escalated, Zahra was forced to flee the country she had fought so hard to represent. She eventually resettled in Canada and began building a new life focused on social justice, education, and youth empowerment through sport.
Why This Former Soccer Star Believes in Second Chances
Today, she works as a Program Officer for Rainbow Railroad’s Government-Assisted Refugees (GAR) program, where she supports LGBTQI+ individuals seeking resettlement in Canada.
“I was deeply moved by Rainbow Railroad’s mission to help some of the most vulnerable populations in the world — people who, like me, were forced to flee their homes simply for being who they are,” she says. “I am constantly inspired by the courage of the individuals we serve and by the organization’s unwavering passion for justice and equality for the global LGBTQI+ community.”
No Such Thing as a Typical Day
In her role, Zahra supports clients through the complicated GAR application process, from eligibility assessments to gathering documentation and conducting interviews.
“Each individual comes with a unique story, set of challenges, and level of access to documentation, so every case requires a personalized approach,” she explains. “The work is detailed, people-centered, and often urgent — but also deeply meaningful.”
One of the most powerful moments in her time at Rainbow Railroad came the first time a client she supported received their Notice of Arrival Transmission — the official confirmation they’d be resettled in Canada.
“She sent me a voice message filled with joy, excitement, and overwhelming gratitude. Hearing her voice tremble with happiness, knowing that she was finally on her way to safety, was incredibly powerful.”
Growing with the Mission
Zahra says her understanding of LGBTQI+ rights and forced displacement has deepened significantly since joining Rainbow Railroad.
“Before, I hadn’t fully grasped how profoundly vulnerable someone can become at the intersection of being both a refugee and LGBTQI+,” she reflects. “I’ve learned how systemic discrimination, legal barriers, and forced displacement interact to create extremely complex and dangerous situations. I’ve also come to appreciate the incredible resilience of those we serve — people who are navigating unimaginable challenges with strength and courage.”
Still, the work comes with challenges — especially when she has to inform someone that Rainbow Railroad cannot support their case, even in urgent or life-threatening situations.
“These are the moments that weigh heavily on me. But it also reinforces how important our broader mission is — to prevent people from getting to that point in the first place.”
Grounded in Community, Inspired by Impact
What sustains Zahra during the hard days is both personal and professional. “My family — especially my two daughters — are my greatest source of strength,” she shares. “And at work, it’s the people I’m surrounded by. My colleagues are some of the most passionate, dedicated, and compassionate individuals I’ve ever worked with. It reminds me that I’m not doing this work alone.”
She wants Rainbow Railroad’s supporters to know how vital their contributions are.
“Sometimes, supporters hear the stories of the clients we serve, but those stories don’t always fully capture the incredible moments when clients learn they are being relocated or after they are successfully relocated. Those moments are filled with overwhelming relief, hope, and new beginnings. Without your support, none of this would be possible.”
Asked what she wishes more people understood about Rainbow Railroad’s work and the individuals it serves, Zahra doesn’t hesitate: “The main difference between us and our clients is largely a matter of geographical luck.”
Looking for ways to support LGBTQI+ communities in a tangible way? Consider donating your time and expertise by volunteering.