Fariba Nawa Biography
Fariba Nawa is an Afghan-American journalist, author, speaker, news trainer and contributor working as a freelance journalist.
Nawa is proficient in Persian, Arabic, and English. She completed her master’s degree in Middle Eastern Studies and Journalism at New York University. In 2000, she embarked on a daring journey into Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, entering the country through Iran. She reported and lived in Afghanistan from 2000 to 2007, extensively traveling through Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, Egypt, and Germany, documenting her experiences. Her report “Afghanistan Inc.” (featured in Corp Watch) is widely utilized in global media discussions on the effectiveness of reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan. This report delves into the progress of reconstruction and highlighting instances where funding has been allocated or misused. It also provides insights into the challenges of rebuilding war-torn areas. Over her 15-year career as a freelance writer, she has covered diverse topics including war, corruption, human rights, women’s cultural trends, and parenting for prestigious newspapers and radio stations.
Published in November 2011, her book “Opium Nation” presents a personal account of the drug trade in Afghanistan and its impact on the underprivileged. Her written work has been featured in renowned media outlets such as The Atlantic, Newsweek, Sunday Times of London, Foreign Affairs, Daily Beast, Newsday, Mother Jones, The Village Voice, The Christian Science Monitor, San Francisco Chronicle, and others. Additionally, she contributes to radio stations, including National Public Radio (NPR). Nawa has received recognition and accolades for her work, including being acknowledged as a PEN USA finalist in research nonfiction for “Opium Nation” in September 2012. Moreover, she also earned an Achievement in Community Service award from Afghan Coalition in March 2013.
Her investigative report “Afghanistan, Inc.” garnered the Project Censored award in October 2007. In June 2005, she received the One World Broadcasting Trust Press Award for her work titled “Brides of the Drug Lords.” Additionally, she was honored with the Overseas Press Club Scholarship in January 2004 for an essay focusing on the drug trade in Afghanistan. She is a highly regarded and engaging speaker, delivering informative and inspirational talks on a range of topics. She has shared her insights at notable platforms such as TEDx, World Affairs Council, the Commonwealth Club, prominent television programs, and major universities. In addition to her speaking engagements, she has conducted training sessions for local journalists worldwide, spanning from Cairo to Kabul. Furthermore, she has contributed to journalism education as a teacher at San Francisco State University. Her expertise lies in investigative reporting and storytelling, making her a valuable resource in the field of journalism.
Fariba Nawa Salary
Nawa earns an annual salary of about $47,000-$120,000.
Fariba Nawa Net Worth
Nawa has an estimated net worth of about $1 Million – $7 Million which she has earned through her career as a journalist.
Fariba Nawa Age
Nawa was born in 1973, in Herat, Afghanistan, United States. She is 51 years old as of 2024 however, information about her date and month of birth has not been disclosed.
Fariba Nawa Height and Weight
Nawa stands at a height of 5 feet 6 inches tall, and she weighs 125 lbs (75kgs).
Fariba Nawa Family
Nawa likes to keep her personal life private hence she has neither disclosed the names of her parents nor those of her siblings. However, this information will be updated when available.
Fariba Nawa Husband and Children
Nawa has not disclosed her relationship status as she is very private with her personal life. However, this information will be updated when available.
Social Media Platform
Nawa is very active on her Twitter, Instagram and Facebook pages. She has 6k followers on Twitter 960+ followers on Instagram and 2.7k followers on Facebook.