Pakistani teacher, women’s activist, and philanthropist, Sister Zeph, also known as Riffat Arif, has been honoured with the prestigious Global Teacher Prize for 2023.
Born and raised in Gujranwala, Pakistan, Sister Zeph’s journey is nothing short of inspirational.
Sister Zeph’s dedication to education and women’s empowerment began at a young age. Despite leaving school after seventh grade, she continued her education at home, eventually passing the tenth-grade Board examination. At the age of thirteen, she penned her first article on Women’s Rights, which was published in Pakistan’s leading newspaper, the Daily Jang.
In 2006, her commitment faced a severe test when gunmen attacked her home due to her teaching efforts. Undeterred, she returned to her village after six months, vowing never to abandon her students. Over the years, Sister Zeph’s ZWEE Foundation (Zephaniah Free Education & Women’s Empowerment Foundation) has grown significantly. Currently, she employs 26 former students, providing education and empowerment to hundreds of girls.
Sister Zeph’s remarkable achievements have not gone unnoticed. She received the Lynn Syms Prize in 2014, expanding her school to accommodate 200 girl students and offering diverse classes, including computers, beautician courses, and martial arts. Her outstanding performance earned her accolades such as the Outstanding Performance award by Eternal Life Ministry of Pakistan International and the Bioneers Change Makers Award. A documentary titled Flight of the Falcons, highlighting her life and work, won a gold medal from the New York Film Festival in 2016.
Sister Zeph’s contributions were further acknowledged with the Global Teacher Prize in 2023, awarded on November 8, 2023. Speaking about her mission, she stated, “I will keep working to educate the children of the world as long as I am alive.”
Sister Zeph’s dedication to uplifting disadvantaged communities and her tireless efforts in the field of education have not only transformed lives but also inspired countless individuals globally.
