Mary MacMakin

Mary MacMakin (born ) She moved to Afghanistan in 1961, working as a humanitarian. Under the Taliban, this became work to promote the rights of women. MacMakin founded PARSA, the organisation for Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation in Support of Afghanistan, in 1998. This helped women work by setting them up in small cottage industries such as weaving silk scarves. In 2000, she was at first arrested by the Taliban, who then deported her after accusing her of spying and spreading anti-government propaganda. She was flown to Pakistan by the Red Cross. She was then set up in Peshawar, saying "As long as the Taliban are in control, I cannot go back."

MacMakin was profiled by Vogue magazine in 2001 following the American invasion during the War in Afghanistan. It was while being prepared for her photoshoot that upon discussion with her hair stylist, Terri Grauel, the idea for a Kabul-based beauty school called the Body and Soul Wellness Program. Anna Wintour donated $25,000 to help the programme open.

Personal life MacMakin also speaks Dari (Persian); she became fluent in it during her residency in Afghanistan.