Dear Women For Afghan Women,
I would like to begin this letter of reflection by thanking you for providing me with the opportunity to return to Afghanistan for the summer to complete an administrative internship with your organization. Beyond the learning aspect, it has been an incredible experience to return to the place I once called home, to your Halfway House in Kabul.
Two years ago I spent one month in the Halfway House. During my tenure there, the living system was too hard and the behavior of the women staying there was different than it is now; then they looked unhappy and hopeless. They didn’t want to study or think about their future.
But now things have changed for the better. I am glad that I came back to Kabul and have been able to see the uplifting changes to the Halfway House. When I first arrived at the Halfway House I noticed that it seemed very friendly. The supervisor and the other staff members treat the women staying there like family.
I can see some happiness on the face of each woman staying in the Halfway House. In the morning when they are going to school from young to old all of them seem happy to be attending. I can see the hopes, wishes, and the confidence that they have found within themselves. Now the only aim that they have is their future. They want to discover their own abilities, skills, and the power they possess as women. They now believe that women are not weak, but they are strong. They can study, work, and have some control in society if they want. In the Halfway House I can see women who are really working hard and making positive decisions about their lives.
Though some of the women still remain dejected. Because they don’t want to study or they don’t have much interest in doing anything, it seems they are unable to see the changes to the Halfway House. They want more freedom, which I understand. But it is not good for them right now, as the Halfway House wants to protect these women from their families, their enemies, and in some cases from themselves.
When I see the changes in most of the women’s attitudes, and in the Halfway House itself, it makes me very happy. One thing I really want to share is the women’s hopes for their future. They are asking me questions about whether they can study and become whatever they want. I am encouraging them both for recognizing the opportunity, and reassuring them that they can do it if it’s what they truly want. I told them about myself, and my experience with WAW. I told them that when I came to WAW I was like them, and thanks to my hard work I am now am in the eleventh grade. I told them that I am an example for them and that they can do as I did.
Studying hard, and interning at the WAW office have been two of the biggest changes in my life. And I know these women can do the same. I hope one day the Halfway House won’t be necessary. I want to see all the Afghan women free; free to think, free to dream and free to make decisions about their own futures.
At the end I want to say thank you to all of you; thank you so much. Most of the time I am thinking that if you who are supporting us weren’t there, I don’t know what would happen to all of us. So thank you for being there.
Love you all,
Laila