Women for Afghan Women Inc

KABUL, Afghanistan — A mullah who raped a 10-year-old girl in his mosque was sentenced to 20 years in prison after a dramatic trial here in Kabul on Saturday during which his accuser, weeping and shaking, summoned the courage to confront him.

Women’s activists attending the packed proceedings hailed the sentence as a victory because the mullah was successfully prosecuted under a 2009 law meant to fight violence against women in a country where rape had long been treated as adultery, implicitly placing partial blame on the victim. The judge in this case dismissed the mullah’s Shariah law defense.

In addition, intervention by Women for Afghan Women, a group that had earlier sheltered the girl, persuaded the victim’s family members to support her. The group paid her family’s travel expenses from their home in the remote province of Kunduz, where the crime occurred, so they could attend the trial.

From the piece in the New York Times by [Info removed for confidentiality purposes] on October 19, 2014: Bartered Away at Age 5, Now Trying to Escape to a Life She Chooses "Women for Afghan Women (which) is the largest private organization in Afghanistan operating shelters and other facilities for women in crisis." As co-founder, board member and full-time volunteer for WAW, I can say without any hesitation that WAW is an incredibly empowering space for all the women, children and men we serve as well as those of us who work and volunteer there; WAW advocates tirelessly and boldly for the human rights of Afghans; and the work I do in WAW has been the most meaningful and the most humbling in my life.

I became aware of this charity from my husband who works for the United States Government in Afghanistan. He has had the opportunity to actually visit one of the facilities that house children in [Info removed for confidentiality purposes] e Shariff whos Afghan mothers are serving a sentence in an Afghan prison. He shared with me there are about ninety children living there. Once my husband and and I began to understand the plight of the Afghan women and even greater the innocence of their children, it touched our hearts to give to this children's shelter. My husband has said out of all of the billions of dollars the United States has poured into Afghanistan over the years, building the facility in [Info removed for confidentiality purposes] e Sharif Afghan children live in is one thing the US has done right. He has said the ones working with the children truly love what they are doing and are making an impact in the childen's lives. Having first hand seen the facility, the good care the children seem to getting as well as how the workers caring for them do so with great love and joy, touched him and placed a desire in his heart to reach out and help. He shared with me that the facility needs basic items like sheets, blankets, minimal school supplies such as notebook paper, pencils, pencil pouches, erasers, crayons, bakcpacks. The chilren are also in need of clothing and shoes. He and I discussed this and decided to begin donating some of these items for these innocent children. While I admit I knew nothing about the horror the women in Afghanistan go thru prior to learning of this childrens shelter, I have began informing myself. As a women I know something needs to be done to support these women and help them be stronger and have a voice in their lives. Their culture may be different than my Western one, but they are still women and children that God has given a purpose to. The small amount my family can give will have a huge impact in ways we cannot begin to comprehend. Having this non profit organization get more recognition will change the lives of many Afghan children and women in [Info removed for confidentiality purposes] e Shariff as well as other places in Afghanistan and in New York City where Afghan women who need help are residing. Why the US governement build the faciity and has dropped the ball on providing needs for the children who live there my husband does not have the answer to. But the US aid worker he knows and works in [Info removed for confidentiality purposes] closely with, works with those who run the facility and has stressed that the need is very great to provide the basics for the children who live in the facility. Even one or two sets of twin size sheets, a few blankets and backpacks, a few pair of shoes ect...is a start and more than they had before. It is always a good thing to give from the heart and meet the needs of those less fortuante than yourself and I know my husband and I are more than happy to make a small difference for these precious children who have no voice nor choice because their mother is in a prison because she has done no real wrong. She only wanted freedom, wanted a better life for herself and child, wanted to not be treated so horribly by her husband, but was arrested for a crime that we here in the United States would see as differently. I understand the Afghan culture is different, but these women can merely be placed in prison from running away from their husband or harming themselves to make themselves less attractive to their husbands so that he will stop abusing them. Here in the US we would not place someone in prison for this, but rather help them seek medical attention and counseling and provide a safe haven of rescue. I know we must respect cultural difference, learn to understand them, but women's rights no matter the culture demand justice. The work I have read about not only in Afghanistan, but also for the women and children residing in New York is slowly making strides to educate the Afghan women and help them and their children live a better life, but it takes time and money to open facilities and meet the needs of running these places. My husband and I desire to learn more about this non profit, it has been brought into our lives for a purpose and we plan to give as much as we can to the childrens facility in MaZar. When we all give a little from our hearts it blossoms. So please consider recognizing Women for Afghan women, give these women and children a place to learn, grow and thrive. If more people learn about it, they too just may decided to help. Again, giving a little goes along way to make someone smile, feel love, feel important and feel their life has a purpose and worth living. God gave us all gifts and talents, culture should not have barriers, Afghan women need a voice!

So impressed with the support that WAW provides for women and children in crisis both here in New York and in Afghanistan under very challenging financial and political circumstances. From my experience visiting their New York site and getting to know the staff and seeing their programming, WAW should be very proud of the dedication of their staff and creativity in providing services under often difficult circumstances. I know that WAW makes a difference every day and I know that they have a lot on their plate keeping shelters open in Afghanistan as the political landscape becomes often dangerous. The New York site is both welcoming and efficient in helping women and children create a community here in the States and meet challenging adjustment issues.

I was at you Eid Mela on Augest 2nd it was a disaster the music was horrible they promised henna tattooes there was no henna tattooes they said there will be food but there was no food it was our Eid weekend with our families we wanted to have fun but unfortunately it was a horrible experience we will never attend any of your events in the future. I think the event coordinator should get fired for doing such a poor job.

As a volunteer, I had the opportunity to see what a great organization WAW is. They help the women of the Afghan community wholeheartedly. The WAW team helps these women become confident through their wonderful programs and events.

WAW has done a great job in helping Afghan women who face lots of difficulties. I have had the honor to meet some WAW members - they are dedicated individuals who work wholeheartedly and selflessly. They work in a very tough environment, majority of Afghan provinces and districts are unsafe, yet WAW colleagues are there, with their limited resources. Their work should be supported and their voices should be heard.

Thank you.

I found WAW on google, signed up for the annual 4014 Gala in NY and was totally amazed by the life changing work they do for women of Afghanistan. The personal stories of children, at the Gala, who benefited from WAW services touched my heart. WAW is in the front lines helping the most vulnerable members of the society -women and children- in times of war (yes war in 21st century). WAW dedication and focus is changing the world one child and woman at a time. More power to them!

I have working as a volunteer tutor for school-aged children at this nonprofit organization for six months and plan to continue during the next school year. I find it rewarding. The paid and volunteer staff make me feel welcome and useful.

Since I am a retired English as a second language teacher, I able to help the children practice their English and complete their homework. Many of the kids are newcomers to the USA. They attend public schools where classes are large and teachers cannot tailor every lesson to the kids' levels. Therefore, the extra help is needed.

I have been volunteering at WAW for almost a year teaching adult ESL classes and tutoring children. It continues to be a wonderful teaching and learning experience. Everyone's time and efforts are welcomed and appreciated. The women are amazingly strong and authentic and motivated. What a great community of people doing incredibly important work. Supporting and empowering women helps families and communities in immeasurable ways. Glad to be a little part of that.

A fabulous and well-managed organization that does unbelievably incredible and life-changing work.

Amazing org! As a volunteer, there are many different ways to get involved. I loved teaching ESL!

Having given money to WAW in the past, I was familiar with the good work they were doing overseas. But when I learned they had a U.S. office that served middle eastern women and their children stateside, I got in touch. The staff there was very welcoming and receptive to me and although I hadn't taught English as a second language, they gave me the confidence and opportunity to dive in. Just in one day at the center, one can see what a vital function they serve. They not only give classes in English but help women obtain driver's licenses and help tutor them towards citizenship. Their services are expanding and spending one day there, one can tell what an important function they serve----a safe and comfortable place for women, new immigrants and older, to gather and share.

I began working with WAW in the fall of 2010, as a development volunteer. I worked on social media and promotional materials. I got invovled after I saw a video on CNN about a young girl who was beaten for runnig away from her forced marriage. It was WAW's shelters that were helping the girl rehabilitate and also protecting her from the mobs of people who wanted to see her killed for running away. The girl was around 14, and for that shelter to take such a stand for her and take care of her was courageous. Then I learned about all of the programs they do for Afghan women in New York, and I had to get involved. Giving women the chance to be human beings and not property is an amazingly courageous missiona and one that WAW does with great conviction and foresight. They are always looking at a large vision and working extremely hard to help the entire community in Afghanistan work towards a progressive future. They don't sacrifice the national identity of Afghanistan, and are able to build community in which all persons are treated as human beings. I cannot express enough the great work WAW is doing and how much they are needed for the women and communities of Afghanistan as well as the global change in women's rights.

This is such a great humanitarian organization. Staff has selflessly dedicated their time and energy to do whatever it takes to bring change in the lives of those women and their families. Nothing pleases me more than seeing a bright shine in my students' eyes when they learn something new!

When thinking of my time at Women For Afghan Women, it always brings a smile to my face. I saw with my own eyes the changes in the women that attend their empowerment classes; they quickly gain confidence & pride in their ability to be more independent. Native English speakers may take our skills for granted but learning to speak English is a huge accomplishment for these women. Through these empowerment classes women get the academic assistance & emotional support necessary to thrive in this new world & culture foreign to their own. They not only learn to speak and read English but also learn about American culture. They use these skills to better communicate with others from their children's teacher, to their neighbors and doctor. I remember one woman in particular who had just come to America from Arghanistan. She was quiet and didn't speak a word of English. After about four months she learned enough English to hold a conversation with her children's teachers and gained the indepence to travel using public transportation by herself from home to the Women For Afgan Women classes to pick up her children from school & back home. Women For Afghan Women did wonders for this women and countless women like her. It's an organization that contiues to do great things for all women.

I am proud to say that I work with Women for Afghan Women. It is an amazing , grass roots organization with a true dedication to the women. Staff, leadership and everyone involved deeply cares for the women and often goes out of their way to help a woman in need. I have had the pleasure of working with them for several years now and I have never seen them turn away any woman in need. [Info removed for confidentiality purposes] is a leader extraordinaire who is not only dedicated but also caring. What amazes me about this organization is how much they do with the limited resources!! They provide such a wide range of services to the women from ESOL classes to domestic violence workshops! They are not afraid to push the boundaries while adhering to the cultural limitations> Truly an amazing organization.

Before anything else, I initially liked Woman for Afghan Women, because of its "easy-open gate" for participating and less bureaucratic phases. I was one of the volunteer for teaching the adult class, and without too many complicated process “which in New York , more or less, is rare” I could join to this energetic team!
After several months of being there, in general, I found this NGO, productive, helpful and so influential for clients and volunteers! Students and teachers both are learning from each other which is one of the interesting part of the classes. Besides these wide range of classes of life skills for adults and youngsters, dealing with current issues were another side of this NGO that was useful for whoever is coming to this institution. For instance, after Hurricane Sandy, consulting sessions and conducting brainstorming for bring up new ideas and dealing with new challenges were one of the good examples of positive flexibility and problem solving approach of this NGO to up to date itself to be able to improve women's skills in society based on priorities and urgent issues.
Another social elements that makes this NGO more remarkable and distinguished is cultural exchanges and diversity among different nationalities and generations, and also considering the importance of art within these exchanges!This NGO is playing a significant role in empowerment of not only Afghan women, rather, women from different parts of the world. This Non-for profit organization by efforts of its founders and staff and their promises has provided a broad platform for better future of awareness about the civil rights by making bridge among Afghan Women (and their families) in the United States, and Afghan women within Afghanistan.
**Wishing have less war and more art in close future!**
P.S. by the way, practicing “Keeping Earth Green” is worth mentioning too! Re-using papers, and being cautious about the usage of electricity (for example, boiling right amount of water based on the number of people and keeping water inside the insulated container to keep it warm for a long time), all tiny but good examples of the smart ways of coping with global warming in this NGO in individualistic scale!

Women for Afghan Women instills the foundations of culture, education, and spirituality within their community of clients and volunteers. The work they do in New York is deep rooted and a vital intersection of the Afghan and immigrant community. Many of the women I have taught at WAW have never been afforded educational opportunities--however, within the walls of this organization they truly flourish. The WAW staff is entirely committed and enthusiastic to their cause. There is nothing more rewarding than witnessing a formerly uneducated woman pass her citizenship test or find a job to support herself.

One of the best None Profit Organization. No one else does what WAW does for unfortunate women. i always read story and life changing of those unlucky girls from Afghanistan how great this organization working. [Info removed for confidentiality purposes] terrible life from Afghanistan to USA which made headlines around the world is one of great work of WAW.

I came to Women for Afghan Women as a volunteer English teacher, having no idea what I'd find. What I discovered on my first day was the surprise of a vibrant, diverse community of women from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Morocco and other Muslim countries, housed in a modest residence in Fresh Meadows, Queens. Two or three days a week I worked with women who come from terrible circumstances but who are determined to make meaningful lives for themselves and their families here. In the rich, supportive atmosphere, nurtured by a dedicated staff, the women and I studied and learned together. With advanced students, I read modern novels; with beginners I introduced the alphabet and basics of English. Probably most important, we all became friends. I wrote blogs for the website detailing some of my experiences, and I invite anyone and everyone to read them. Thank you for considering this terrific place for an award.

I am a consultant, a donor, and a member of WAW's NY advisory board. I am always impressed by the dedication of the New York board and staff, for whom the work is personal as well as professional. These Afghan women are often illiterate, poor and isolated from the broader community. WAW is a lifeline - its office is homey, safe, and welcoming. Immigration services, domestic violence help, English classes -driver's test prep -it's a one- stop center for women who have nowhere else to go. WAW's Afghanistan work is rightly honored and publicized, but the problems of Afghan women don't go away when they get to the U.S. Fortunately, WAW New York is there to help women in the area one-on-one, to respond to requests for information from across the country, and to be a voice for the rights of all women through advocacy.

No one else does what WAW does! As a psychotherapist who speaks [Info removed for confidentiality purposes], I've worked closely with the women who access WAW's services and have witnessed the life saving efforts of the staff and volunteers, the unmet need and suffering is still immense but so is the power and determination of the women who make WAW. I expect I will be working with them for many years to come.

I am engaged in relief efforts in Afghanistan--Women for Afghan Women is effective, needed, and well-run.

The clients being serviced at the office, specifically the girls and women attending the classes are so very proud of what they are learning. You can see in their eyes even if you don't speak their language. And the teachers reflect the same pride and fufillment and their students. This organization goes well beyond just Afghan women.

This session is a work in progress and has had a positive impact on the neighborhood and children involved. Added learning materials would expand the endless potential that can be offered to students that require the additional attention to focus on their own personal shortcomings in class studies. If more volunteers can be obtained an increased Teacher/Student ratio will have a definitive impact on the results rendered. Based on resources available the Team Leader is doing a fantastic job.

I have been a volunteer math tutor for the children of the Afghan women ranging from grades 1-6 since March 2012 during the school year. I usually help them with homework, but occasionally I quiz them on their multiplication tables or the like. It has been such a pleasure to watch these kids grow and understand math. Were it not for Women for Afghan Women, I don't know whether these kids would be able to properly understand math. In one instance, I actually taught one of the boys how to do simple multiplication, even though he hadn't learned multiplication yet. It was a very satisfying feeling. It is wonderful for me to know that these kids will have an even better chance of doing well in school and life. I have also found that tutoring them is fun and enjoyable for both them and me.

I've been volunteering with WAW for about 3 months now and my experience has been absolutely phenomenal. This is a grassroots organization doing exceptional work for women and children. WAW excels at empowering women that are part of the WAW community. It accomplishes this via hands on, practical classes such as literacy, driving and ESL classes. And just as importantly, WAW is great at building a personal relationship with each of the women. The staff at WAW know the women and their family members by name, their pains, their dreams, their challenges. They help instill self confidence, the most precious skill they can give to these women. i have learned a lot about the beautiful, warm culture of the Afghan people, their story, their struggles. There's still a lot of work to be done and no better organization than WAW to lead it.

I have been volunteering at WAW for 2 years and have been incredibly influenced by the brilliant staff and clients. The women that are served by WAW are now my friends and family. I feel that for every change or help I have created or provided there as a volunteer I have been repaid many times over in learning, loyalty and love.

The Women For Afghan Women (WAW)have done a tremendous job in providing shelter, safety and skills for Afghan women. Time Magazine recently put out a cover story by [Info removed for confidentiality purposes], Managing Editor on Thursday, Jul. 29, 2010. WAW provided shelter for the young girl in the article as she waited transport to the Grossman Burn Foundation for reconstructive surgery.