OMID was founded with a simple yet powerful belief: every young woman deserves the chance to live with dignity, hope, and opportunity. What began as a vision of Marjaneh Halati, a social psychologist and psychotherapist born in Iran, has grown into a life-changing movement for thousands of marginalized young women of the Persian-speaking world.
Drawing from her own experience of displacement and her research on domestic violence, empowerment, and social psychology at the London School of Economics and University of Cambridge, Marjaneh established OMID as a safe space where young women could heal from trauma, reclaim their sense of self, and build a future filled with possibility.
Since 2004, OMID has transformed the lives of more than 25,000 women and their families. Over 2,000 girls have completed middle and high school, 350 youth have graduated from university, and more than 850 women have entered the labor market; creating ripples of change in their communities. Many beneficiaries have gone on to become teachers, mentors, and leaders, proving that when women rise, whole societies are uplifted.
OMID‘s work is rooted in values that guide every program, partnership, and interaction. We believe in empowerment by equipping young women with the skills, confidence, and resilience to transform their stories, from victim to survivor, and from survivor to leader. We are committed to equity, working to break cycles of trauma and inequality so every woman has access to education, opportunity, and safety. At the same time, we foster a strong sense of community by creating spaces where women can connect, support one another, and build brighter futures together.
We operate with integrity, ensuring transparency, dedication, and respect in all that we do, so our programs truly reflect the needs of the women we serve. At the heart of our work is compassion, meeting survivors with empathy and creating meaningful pathways to healing. OMID‘s vision is bold yet simple: a world where marginalized young women have the tools to thrive, succeed, and contribute positively to their families and communities, free from violence, abuse, and trauma.
OMID is more than an organization; it is a global community of professionals, volunteers, and partners working together to empower women.
Our therapeutic programs help survivors process and heal from trauma, while our educational and vocational training equips them with practical skills to succeed. From art therapy to life skills, from scholarships to trauma recovery workshops, every program is designed to nurture both emotional and professional growth.
Collaboration is at the core of our approach. By partnering with universities, NGOs, and international organizations, we expand our reach and amplify our impact, creating a network of support that extends across borders.
Legally, OMID operates as two independent entities; OMID Foundation UK and OMID Foundation USA; each governed by its own board of trustees and directors. This structure strengthens our accountability and ensures transparency in all aspects of our work.
OMID Foundation UK
Trustees: Ali Bagherzadeh, Marjaneh Halati (Chair), Alireza Ittihadieh, Goli Bagherzadeh
CEO: Goli Bagherzadeh
Charity registration certificate
OMID Foundation USA
Directors: Neda Amidi, Gohar Farahani, Marjaneh Halati (Chair), Farzaneh Javid, Roya Soleimani
CEO: Marjaneh Halati
IRS determination letter
At every level, our team is united by one mission: to stand alongside young women as they rebuild their lives, restore their confidence, and step into their full potential.
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