The Organization for Human Relief (OHR) is a women-led, women-focused national non-profit organization established in 2013 and registered with Afghanistan’s Ministry of Economy. Founded by local women leaders and social activists, OHR emerged from communities themselves and continues to operate with deep grassroots roots—particularly in marginalized and other remote, hard-to-reach, and conflict-affected provinces.

At OHR, we work in partnership with communities to advance dignity, resilience, and opportunity. We collaborate closely with women, girls, youth, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups to address their urgent needs while strengthening local capacities for sustainable, long-term change. Our culturally grounded and participatory approach ensures that programs are shaped by the voices, priorities, and lived experiences of the people we serve.

OHR designs and implements humanitarian, development, empowerment, social cohesion, and improvement in direct access to services initiatives that address gender inequality, social exclusion, psychosocial distress, lack of livelihood, capacity gaps, and vulnerability. Our core programs include women’s empowerment and gender equality, psychosocial counseling and mental health support, livelihoods and vocational training, human rights and advocacy, access to health and education, community mobilization and social cohesion, and youth engagement. These integrated interventions respond to intersecting vulnerabilities and challenges caused by conflict, displacement, climate stress, and gender-based discrimination.

We primarily serve women and vulnerable groups—especially female-headed households, caregivers, internally displaced persons, survivors of violence, affected by disasters, returnees, poor people, youth, and persons with disabilities—prioritizing underserved and remote districts where access to services is limited and risks are compounded. Guided by a rights-based, gender-sensitive, and community-driven philosophy, OHR integrates protection, accountability, and inclusion across the full project cycle, from assessment and design to implementation, learning, and adaptation.

OHR works with communities rather than for them. Women and marginalized groups actively shape decisions that affect their lives. Our approach is informed by eco-feminist principles, recognizing the interconnections between gender inequality, climate vulnerability, and social construct that shapes attitudes and behaviour. By combining psychosocial support, livelihoods, advocacy, and capacity strengthening, we foster resilience, dignity, and sustainable transformation.

With over a decade of operational experience, OHR has successfully implemented donor-funded projects in partnership with UN agencies, international NGOs, and national stakeholders. The organization is led by a female Executive Director and supported by a strong governance and management structure. The majority of our staff are locally recruited, ensuring contextual understanding, trust, and effective community engagement.

OHR is committed to transparency, accountability, and safeguarding. We uphold zero tolerance for sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment, and maintain robust financial, operational, and risk management systems in line with national laws and international standards.

Through partnerships with communities, donors, and institutions, OHR builds resilient communities where every person can thrive.