MSI Stars is our global recognition programme that acknowledges our incredible team members from around the world. This year, we celebrate Farahnaz, Innocent and Rajesh, and share their stories.
From healthcare providers on the frontlines to colleagues working behind the scenes, MSI team members are making reproductive choice possible for women and girls worldwide. MSI Stars shines a light on people who embody our values in everything they do.
Meet our MSI Stars
Farahnaz, community health supervisor for MSI Afghanistan
Farahnaz Sultani has been working for MSI Afghanistan since 2021 as a community health supervisor and received an MSI Star award for her unwavering dedication to her clients. As a woman living with a disability, her experience has driven her to ensure that every client has access to high-quality and inclusive services. Farahnaz is not just focused on immediate improvements, she is also committed to creating systemic, long-lasting change for women and people with disabilities in Afghanistan.
“I am proud to stand up for people with disabilities, I love helping people. I feel privileged to work in an organisation that helps women and girls. I love the logo, to me, it is an open door to vulnerable people, like those with disabilities.”
– Farahnaz Sultani
“To me, equality in healthcare means people who cannot afford it still receive the care they need.”
Innocent, social marketing officer for MSI Burkina Faso
Coulibaly Innocent has been working for MSI Burkina Faso since 2013 as a social marketing officer with the outreach team. As part of his role, Innocent travels over 100 kilometres on his motorbike to reach over two hundred women a month with life-changing healthcare. He won the courageous MSI Star award for showing immense bravery during an outreach visit that had an unexpected turn.
In 2022, Innocent was on his way to provide reproductive healthcare in a remote community when he was kidnapped. During a two-hour interrogation, Innocent convinced his captors of the importance of MSI’s mission and was let go unharmed. Following a break, Innocent returned to his role even more motivated to reach women in need. This incredible courage shows his commitment to our clients.
“In Burkina Faso, many areas are hard to reach because they are barricaded and public health services do not have easy access to essential medical supplies. I want to provide services to women no matter their situation, with no barriers.”
– Coulibaly n. innocent
“A few years ago, I was working in the field and met a woman who had given birth 14 times, she was so scared as she knew her life was in danger if she fell pregnant again. She came to me, and I gave her advice and access to our sexual and reproductive health services. She blessed me for saving her from another pregnancy. I am so proud of that memory, and I think about it often.”
Rajesh, nurse for MSI’s programme FRHS India
Rajesh Kumari has been a nurse for our programme in India since 2019 and centres clients in everything she does. She is dedicated to the women and girls she serves and is an enthusiastic and driven team leader.
Despite facing personal difficulties when her young child sadly passed away, Rajesh remained dedicated to her role and her clients.
She shared that caring for her clients offered a welcome distraction from her grief, showing that her commitment to providing life-changing healthcare is not simply a job, but a mission to make the world a kinder, better place for women and girls.
“I always wanted to do something meaningful, where I can support women and give them the care they truly deserve. When I got the chance to work with MSI, I felt this was the right place. Here, we don’t just give treatment – we make sure every woman feels safe and respected. That is what keeps me going every day.”
– Rajesh Kumari
“I believe we can create happy families. My hope is that reproductive health services should reach every part of our country, especially poor and marginalised communities. I wish no woman is left behind when it comes to her health.”
Farahnaz, Innocent and Rajesh, along with the 9,000 other team members that make up MSI, work every day to provide women and girls with the opportunity to make choices about their futures. From India to Afghanistan to Burkina Faso, MSI’s team members’ daily work and lives may look different, but they share an unshakeable commitment to changing the world for women and girls.
