Parween Pazhwak

Parween Pazhwak, is an Afghan artist, poet, and novelist residing in Toronto, Canada. She was born in Kabul, Afghanistan into a well-respected family. Consequent to her high school education at the prestigious Lycée Malalai, Parween entered and successfully graduated from the Abu Alis Sina-e Balkhi Medical Institute in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Parween Pazhwak has been serving as an elected board member of the Afghan Women’s Organization (AWO) for over twelve years, intermittently. Prior to moving to Prague for seven years, Parween worked as a settlement intake worker with the AWO in Mississauga. Upon return, she was re-elected as a board member and continues her volunteer position with AWO.

Parween is an active, dedicated volunteer with many organizations including the honorary member of the Afghan Women’s Network (AWN), an umbrella women led organization based in Kabul, Afghanistan.
Parween was selected by Afghan fashion designer and advocate Mrs. Rada Akbar as part of her “AbarzZanan” or “Super Women” artistic design collection, aimed at recognizing influential Afghan women in 2020.

Parween’s “Salaam Marjan” novel in Dari/Farsi was the winner of the “Malalai Joya” bravery prize in Afghanistan.

Parween’s informative book for children “The Earth and The Sky received the first prize in children literature category in Afghanistan.

“Under a Kabul Sky” collection of short stories (including Parween’s “Paper Cradle” story) has been shortlisted for the 2022 International Book Award (IBA) in the Multicultural Fiction category and become One of the three Finalist in Toronto Canada.

Parween Pazhwak has advocated for children and women’s rights through her artwork, writings, and social media presence. Thirty of her books have been published so far.