Mariam Habibi*, a 24-year-old Afghan woman living in the Nangarhar province, is on a mission. As a dedicated Community Surveillance Assistant with the International Rescue Committee (IRC), she played a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of her community. Mariam's story is one of resilience, compassion, and determination as she tackles the challenges of malnutrition and the aftermath of an economic downturn in her war-torn homeland.

With the aim of providing education and protection services to develop a sense of safety, the IRC has been able to offer young girls in northeastern Nigeria spaces where they can learn in a supportive and nurturing environment.

While these countries represent less than 6 percent of the world’s population, they host more than half of all people identified as being in need globally.