Shelters for Women in Iraq and Afghanistan

We just received breaking news from our partners in Afghanistan, who work with the Afghan Women’s Survival Fund to provide shelter, safe transportation and support to Afghan women fleeing violence.

Recently, a young woman made headlines by running away from home with her fiancé. As she remained in hiding, her family members publicly expressed their outrage; convinced that she tarnished her family name by running away. They threatened her with “honor killing” as punishment for her actions.

With nowhere else to turn, she contacted MADRE and our partners at the Afghan Women’s Survival Fund. Together, we are providing her with the support necessary to escape to safety and begin rebuilding her life.

The Afghan Women’s Survival Fund provides cell phones to link partners in the rescue network, and covers costs of emergency medical care, food, shelter, local and international transportation, and clothing and other personal effects for women who are forced to escape quickly.

Through the Fund, MADRE is able to activate a global network of women’s human rights defenders to launch advocacy campaigns on behalf of women who are publicly threatened with violence.

Often, the only thing standing between a woman and her husband or family’s violent retaliation for running away is a shelter. Your continued support is crucial to provide a safe haven for women and brings us a step closer to ending violence against women.