Women For Afghan Women

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Statement from Leadership of Women for Afghan Women on Events of March 30, 2022

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, (New York, NY) March 30, 2022 As members of the senior leadership and the Board of Directors of Women for Afghan Women (WAW), a US-based NGO, it is imperative that we clarify the legitimacy of the meeting in Kabul between two former board members and Taliban authorities. While we recognize the past leadership of the former board and staff members who attended this meeting, they do not represent WAW or our policies, and they are not authorized to make any contractual arrangements on behalf of the organization. As a grassroots organization dedicated to protecting and promoting the rights of disenfranchised Afghan women and girls, Women for Afghan Women (WAW) has worked tirelessly since its founding in 2001 to provide life changing, community-based programs to thousands of Afghan women, children and families throughout Afghanistan and the United States. Amidst unprecedented challenges to our work brought on by the political, economic, and humanitarian …

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Free ESL Classes for NYC Residents

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Dates: Oct 4, 2021 – Dec 17th, 2021 Hours: 10:30AM to 1:30PM In-person class Low beginner class: monday, tuesday, and Wednesday Online Classes: High beginner class: Thursday, Friday Low intermediate class: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday High intermediate class: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday Classes are open to New York City residents only. Picture ID and proof of address needed to register for the class. To register call (646) 494-4054 or email beatrice@womenforafghanwomen.org …

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Free Online Citizenship Class

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Details Class schedule: Tuesday & Wednesdays 10:30am – 1:30pm Learn about: US History and Government Practice reading, writing, and interview skills Receive free legal services Classes are for women only and for low intermediate english speakers only To register call (646) 494-4054 or email beatrice@womenforafghanwomen.org …

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Farah’s Story

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“When I was 8 years old, my father died and I was sent to live with my grandfather, who immediately married me off to his cousin. After many years of mistreatment, I finally ran away to live with my aunt. But my aunt’s husband quickly sold me to a complete stranger. I was forced to be with him for three days. I ran away from my buyer’s house and fled to the nearest police station. When the police summoned my aunt’s husband, he, of course, denied his crime and accused me of having sexual relations with his son. Instead of my uncle going to jail, I was sent to a juvenile rehabilitation center, where I served an 18-month sentence for adultery. When I was released, I returned to my aunt because I had nowhere else to go. Two weeks later, I found out that my aunt’s husband was planning to marry me off again to a 60-year-old man for money. I ran away once more—but, this time, I fled to the Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MoWA). The staff at MoWA immediately referred me to Women for Afghan Women …

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Damsa’s Story

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Damsa was forced by her family to marry a man who, along with her in-laws, constantly abused her. Damsa went to her family for help, but they ignored her pleas in order to safeguard their standing in the community, as having a divorced daughter would "shame" them. One night, after a particularly violent altercation, Damsa's in-laws called the police, blaming her for the incident. She was taken into custody for eight days. After an investigation, however, the police concluded that Damsa was the victim, not the perpetrator, and referred her case to Women for Afghan Women (WAW). After arriving at WAW, Damsa was given a clean bed and new clothes. Because of the abuse she had experienced, this gesture of respect meant so much to her. She was then enrolled in vocational, life-skills, and literacy classes, as well as education about women's rights in Islam. With support from one of WAW's defense lawyers, Damsa also succeeded in obtaining a legal separation from her husband. She received …

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