By Natalie Ghany | Development & Reporting Officer
Story of a Survivor of Violence~ "Kamar was married to a disable man (with one leg), who forced her to beg during their entire 20 year marriage in Pakistan, Jalalabad, and Kabul. He never worked and she was the breadwinner. Four years ago, he married a second wife, who had 4 children of her own. The couple then had 4 children together. Kamar herself is childless. The husband beat her with wooden implements so severely that her back and hips are badly scarred. Our lawyers got her a divorce despite the husband’s strong objections. Kamar is now living with her brother and is very happy."
Stories like this can break your heart – especially given the current crisis facing women shelters in Afghanistan. But the staff members at Women for Afghan Women (WAW) come across them every day. WAW has enabled hundreds of women in the US and Afghanistan to reclaim their “VOICES”, dignity, respect, and rights to be effective members of their society.
WAW is a grassroots civil society organization dedicated to securing and protecting the rights of disenfranchised Afghan women and girls, particularly their rights to develop their individual potential, to self-determination, and to be represented in all areas of life: political, social, cultural and economic. We advocate for women’s rights and challenge the norms that underpin gender-based violence wherever opportunities arise in order to influence attitudes and bring about change.
WAW is committed to the leadership and agency of Afghan women in the struggle for their human rights. WAW's work takes place within the religious and cultural context of the women of Afghanistan.
WAW operates Family Guidance Centers (FGCs) which shelter, protect and promote the human rights of Afghan women and children in Kabul, Mazar, Kapisa, Jalalabad and Kunduz. Since 2007, WAW’s FGCs have helped approximately 2,500 women, girls, and/or families in crisis. The demand for these centers and the services it provides are profound.
Personal note to the donor who has contributed to your project
Our overall success is due in part to our extraordinary vision and determination as well as the commitment of our supporters. As a supporter of WAW your contribution has impacted the lives of hundreds of women, young girls and families. Your generous donation and support has been instrumental in transforming the lives of our clients, and we want to thank you. With your support we have been able to maintain the Family Guidance Center and shelter services.
Our work in Afghanistan continues to thrive. After only three and a half years, the original Family Guidance Center/shelter (FGC) in Kabul has expanded to four other locations: Kapisa, Mazar, Kunduz, and Jalalabad, and we are planning to open three more in the next two years. These centers have helped about 2500 women and girls. When we include their families, the number of beneficiaries comes to well over 7000 people. Husbands and fathers often participate in counseling with wives and daughters. We currently have 32 women and 8 children living in the Kabul shelter, where we run a kindergarten and hold literacy, life skills, and vocational training classes for women.
Our newest project is the Children’s Support Center, a residence for the children over five years old who had been living with their mothers in the Kabul women's prison. Since most children who come to us are illiterate, the CSC starts them on an accelerated learning program until they can enter school. We also have classes in English and computer skills and tutoring for kids who are having trouble keeping up with school assignments. In her NY Times article on Afghan women (Oct. 24, 2010), Elizabeth Rubin wrote of the CSC, “I’d never seen such a beautiful, clean institution in Afghanistan.” We will open two additional CSCs in the coming year.
These accomplishments would not be possible without out the generosity of our supporters. For your loyalty and generosity, we and the women and girls of Afghanistan express heartfelt gratitude.
*Attached please find WAW's most recent project report covering the period of December 1, 2010 to February 28, 2011. The report includes charts, photos, and case profiles.
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