Equality for Peace and Development Organization (EPDO) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization established in 2010 in Afghanistan. EPDO works to promote women’s rights, social cohesion, civil society, and inclusive community development, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected contexts.
Since August 2021, EPDO has adapted its programming to respond to the evolving humanitarian and protection needs of women, youth, and marginalized communities. The organization operates in 20 provinces across Afghanistan and focuses on strengthening women-led networks, supporting grassroots civil society actors, promoting peaceful conflict resolution from a progressive Islamic perspective, and enhancing community awareness of women’s rights and social cohesion.
EPDO has established and supports multiple community-based platforms, including Provincial Women Networks (PWNs), Local Action Committees (LACs), Afghanistan Women Solidarity Groups (AWSG), and youth-led initiatives (Afghanistan Diversity Ambassadors), to amplify women’s voices, support protection responses, and encourage coordinated advocacy. The organization also works on humanitarian assistance, capacity-building, and economic empowerment initiatives to enhance resilience and sustainability for women and vulnerable populations.
Through its partnership with ICAN and engagement in the WASL network, EPDO contributes to global advocacy efforts aimed at protecting Afghan women’s rights, strengthening civil society, and promoting inclusive peacebuilding.
Core Areas of Work:
- Peacemaking
- Strengthening democratic governance and institutions
- Strengthening resilience communities and social cohesion
- Women's rights
- Youth engagement
