Aspiring For Inclusion
International Women’s Day celebrates the achievements of women around the world, regardless of their nationality, politics, economic status or ethnicity. Though the United Nations officially recognized it in 1977, its roots are found within the rising labor movement of the early 20th century. Women throughout the world, who made up a large part of the […]
Building Dreams
Since the Taliban takeover on August 15, 2021 Afghanistan’s education system has suffered immensely. Wars and terrorists destroyed many schools, while others fell victim to aging and neglect. After the Taliban’s rise to power, funding has all but dried up. What remains is often a sad combination of crumbling buildings, broken desks and equipment, and […]
To Be Of Service In Virginia
The phone rings and a caseworker takes the call. It’s Marwa (not her real name), whose husband threatened her again. He has the money, connections and enough control over Marwa to strip her of all that’s familiar in this unfamiliar land. After suffering years of abuse, both in Virginia, her new home, and Afghanistan, the […]
A Matter of Moments
On a sunny day, a young shepherd named Omar goes out to the field to tend to his flock. As he does, his mother tended to her young children in their home while his father began his daily chores. Without warning, the ground rose up and shook violently, turning the soil into a liquid mass. […]
International Day of the Girl Child 2023
A society prospers when it invests in its citizens. This means it ensures that they are well educated, receive proper health care and nutrition, and most of all, recognized for their ability to accomplish whatever they set their minds to. However, this is not always the case. There are many challenges that Afghan girls, who […]
The Welcome Circle
A group of ladies gathers in a basement classroom. They gaze at each other a bit nervously, small smiles creeping on their faces. They are all new to this country, yet something about this gathering makes them feel more at home. For these are no ordinary ladies. These are former refugees and immigrants from Afghanistan. […]
Let Afghan Girls Learn
It’s that time of the year again, when children of all ages put away their summer memories and pack their school bags with new notebooks and pens. They’ll receive a Chromebook in homeroom and sit in clean, well-lit classrooms, at laminated desks or tables. For some, it’ll be a new experience, entering kindergarten. Others will […]
Dismantled Rights
During the US-led NATO military presence in Afghanistan (2001-2021), the Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MOWA) advocated for the rights of women into law. While these rights were met with skepticism, if not outright hostility, with certain segments of Afghan society and the Afghan parliament, it was a promising way forward. The Law on the Elimination […]
The Cost of an Education
In Western society, education is often taken for granted. School is part of growing up. Kids look forward to socializing with friends, and taking advantage of a myriad of educational opportunities and extracurricular activities. Buildings are spacious, have running water, windows, heating, and safety features. Classrooms are equipped with the latest technology. Girls and boys […]
Steps Refugees Can Take If They Are Experiencing Discrimination In The Workplace
Refugees that are working in the United States have the same rights that other workers do. Legal status doesn’t matter when it comes to workplace protections for workers. All workers have the right to work in an environment where they are safe and not subjected to discrimination or harassment. Title VII of the Federal Civil […]
