In Memory of Razia Jan,
a leader whose vision changed lives.
Razia Jan was the heart and soul of Razia’s Ray of Hope, a visionary humanitarian, a tireless advocate for girls' education, and a beacon of compassion and courage.
Razia believed deeply in the power of education to change the world. Her unwavering convictions transformed thousands of lives in Afghanistan and inspired countless others around the globe. Through her work, she offered not only education but dignity, hope, and opportunity to girls and women.
Thanks to her extraordinary foresight, she built a strong, sustainable foundation to ensure that Razia’s Ray of Hope would thrive beyond her lifetime. The dedicated team she mentored in Afghanistan, the support of her loving family in the U.S. and abroad, and a global community of donors and advocates will carry her vision forward with the same fierce hope and determination she exemplified every day.
Though Razia is no longer with us, her light lives on in every girl who learns to read, dreams of what’s possible, and dares to lead.
Share a Memory
We invite you to share a memory, story, or note of how Razia inspired you. Your words will help keep her spirit alive in the community she built.
We'll compile all messages to share here and with Razia's family.
Former First Lady, Laura Bush
"Razia Jan represents the strong, resilient, and determined women of Afghanistan. As a teacher, she cleverly taught her young female students to write their fathers’ names first, rather than their own names. Her tactic instilled pride in these girls’ fathers, who couldn’t read or write themselves, and who then gave their daughters permission to continue their education.
I was fortunate to have known the remarkable Razia Jan through the George W. Bush Institute’s Afghan Women’s Project, and I am proud we share her story in our book, We Are Afghan Women. Razia never stopped fighting for the full participation of women in every aspect of society, and through the Razia’s Ray of Hope Foundation, her efforts to educate and support young girls will continue for years to come."
Khaled Hosseini,
Afghan-American Novelist & Humanitarian
I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend Razia Jan, a relentless advocate for the right of Afghan girls to education. She was brave and wise and kind. I will miss her dearly. May she rest in peace.
Joan Powers,
Rotary Club of Scituate
So sorry to hear Razia passed away. She was a special lady and it was a privilege to have known here. Sending love and prayers.
Cyndi King
I was honored to hear her speak at Rotary when I lived in MA. Her heart shone right through her being. May her legacy live on in all the girls to women she empowered through education. Prayers for her family and friends in their grief. To those who are educated as a result of her efforts please continue her great work. Yours in Rotary Service, Cyndi
Amanda Watkin
Saddened to learn of Razia’s passing. I had the pleasure and honour or meeting and staying with her back in 2011 in Kabul. Her dedication to the education of girls and support for the rights of women was an inspiration with lessons I have never forgotten RIP
Lori Roll
I’m so sorry to learn this! 💔Razia was a brave woman who brought so much good to the world. She was a tireless fighter with the vision of helping the girls and women of her country. Her heart and legacy live on in the lives she changed and the courage she shared. Blessings. ❤️
Aziza Begham
Today Afghanistan lost a true hero by losing Razia Jan. She could lived peacefully and without any worries with her only son but she chose to be there for the women of Afghanistan, she chose to stand for the women back home and that’s the reason she is and always will be in heart of every person she ever met. May her soul rest in peace and may Allah grant her the Highest rank in Jannah Inshah Allah ❤️ She will always be in my prayers.
Andrea Geyling-Moore,
Milton Academy
Razia Jan was a profound inspiration to so many students and adults at Milton Academy (even long after her son Lars graduated). I am forever grateful for the visits she paid to my classes and our broader school community to share her story and vision for educating girls in Afghanistan. We will continue to follow with great admiration the powerful work of Razia's Ray of Hope, and send our deepest condolences and wishes of peace to her family.
Heidi Agostini
I was fortunate to have served as her photographer for a few days while in Bamyan. She was an extraordinary person and humanitarian. Meeting her was one of the biggest honors of my life.
Susie Greenberg
My husband, Alan, and I were fortunate to meet Razia several years ago through my daughter, Karen Wong. Karen went to Afghanistan with Razia to photograph her school. We had dinner one evening in Los Angeles with Razia and Lars...I will never forget Razia's kindness, dedication, and intelligence. The world is a darker place without her....Rest in peace...and love.
Ashley Stehn
So very sorry to hear this news. A remarkable, kind, savvy, brave, determined woman who helped change so many lives for the better & never seemed deterred by setbacks & obstacles. She will be so missed. I was honored to meet her a few times over the years & to follow all the successes with your school. It just seems like Razia should have lived forever. An incredible role model for us all. Sending love to all.
Laura Smolcha,
Sharon Public Schools
It was a privilege to be even a small part of Razia’s orbit over these past many years. Razia was fierce. Fierce in her determination to ensure that the girls in Afghanistan got everything they needed. Fierce in her belief in equality and opportunity for all. Fierce in her pride and love for the girls and young women at the Zabuli Center. Fierce in her right to take and claim space. Yet for all this strength she exuded, she was gentle. She loved to laugh, and took time to find out how people were doing. I’m so glad to have been able to work with her and connect so many of my students with such a remarkable role model. I know we will all work to ensure her legacy continues.
Marc Jacobsen
I was crushed to hear about Razia's passing. While my time spent with her in Afghanistan was brief, her commitment to the girls and her tenacity in working with, around, or simply through the tribal leaders was not just admirable but set an example for so many who sought just outcomes in unjust environments. You are right in that her legacy will be enduring.