Every Thursday in our Global Activism series, we introduce you to a local individual who’s trying to change the world.

In Dari, the word arzu means “hope.” It’s also the name of an organization that employs Afghan women in remote provinces to weave fair trade artisan rugs. ARZU helps women build a better life through access to education, healthcare and job training.

This holistic support is desperately needed. Afghanistan was recently named the world’s most dangerous country in the world for women, according to a survey by TrustLaw, part of the Thomas Reuters Foundation.

ARZU founder Connie Duckworth says she’s trying to apply her private sector experience to grassroots development.

To hear more stories of people making a difference, check out the Global Activism page, where you can also suggest a person or organization for the series. Or, email your suggestions to worldview@wbez.org and put “Global Activism” in the subject line. Global Activism is also a podcast.