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June 12th, 2006
The Non-Profit Spotlight
Manizha Naderi
Afghanistan has endured huge changes over the years, with each day a survival from war and the lingering effects of ultra-conservative religious rule. Despite national progress towards a more democratic government, local life is plagued with women who are still treated - often brutally - as inferiors. Manizha Naderi, 31, and Women for Afghan Women (WAW), are on a mission to stop this oppression. Founded in 2001, WAW has been serving both the Afghani community in New York as well as organizing international conferences and doing social work within Afghanistan. Their hardwork has resulted in the Afghan Women's Bill of Rights (which was presented to President Hamid Karzai), vocational training, educating women and children, and building safehouses, among many other things. Make sure to check out this week's Non-Profit Spotlight.
The Non-Profit 411
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Non-Profit
Women for Afghan Women
Founded
April 2001
Website
www.womenforafghanwomen.org
Name
Manizha Naderi, Director
Hometown
Kabul, Afghanistan
Current residence
Elmhurst, NY
Age
30
Education
Hunter College—BA in English Language Arts, minor: Political Science
Ethnicity
Afghani
About The Non-Profit
Women for Afghan Women is an international organization that advocates for the rights of Afghan women locally and in Afghanistan. Our mission is the empowerment of Afghan women in all aspects of life.
Most notable milestones
We’ve organized 3 international conferences. 2 in New York and 1 in Afghanistan. The result of our first conference was a book entitled: Women for Afghan Women and the result of our third conference was the Afghan Women’s Bill of Rights.
We won the Union Square Awards in 2003 for our work with the local Afghan community in New York.
What's the niche?
We are the only organization working to help Afghan immigrants living in New York with their social services needs.
What's the biggest challenge?
We have a huge challenge of spreading messages of women’s rights and feminism in a very conservative Afghan community.
What's in store for the future?
We are about to start a major campaign in Afghanistan. We will start safe houses for women in Afghanistan who are in danger but have no place to go.
Who would you like to be contacted by?
Anyone who is interested in women’s rights and Afghan women.
Non-Profit Philosophy
Guiding principle in life
To empower Afghan women to become advocates on their own behalf.
Yardstick of success
Knowing that your work is making a difference in this world.
Best practical advice
Patience is a virtue. Bringing lasting change in this world is a long process. It’s good to have patience and determination.
Mentor
Esther Hyneman.
Non Profit Confessions
What motivated you to get started?
I am an Afghan women. I wanted to help my Afghan sisters who have suffered for so long.
What keeps you motivated?
The plight of Afghan women. I will not rest until every Afghan woman is free of oppression.
Like best about what you do
I like working directly with the women.
Like least about what you do
Paperwork.
At age 10, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to become a doctor.
Biggest pastime outside of work?
Reading and hanging out with friends.
Person most interested in meeting and why?
Bill and Hillary Clinton. I think they are both fantastic.
Leader in business most interested in meeting and why?
Bill Gates because he has changed the world with his invention.
Three characteristics that describe you
1) Brave and courageous
2) I never give up
3) I have a lot of determination
Three greatest passions
1) Afghan women
2) Afghanistan
3) Human rights
Favorite book
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy.
Favorite cause
Finding a cure for AIDS.
If you would like to contact Women for Afghan Women, you can reach them at office@womenforafghanwomen.org.