Invest in HER
At WAW, we invest in HER by striving to inspire Hope, Empowerment, and Resilience through our programs and mission across Afghanistan and the U.S. by providing HER with opportunities in Health, Education, and Resettlement.
Because of you and your support, stories like Nilofar’s and Fatima’s are possible. With the power of community, together we can uplift HER with Hope, Empowerment, and Resilience.
Nilofar’s Story
Before fleeing Afghanistan with her family, Nilofar suffered years of verbal, physical, and psychological abuse at the hands of her spouse. As is often the case, and despite restraining orders on her husband and the legal protections against domestic violence in the United States, the abuse she suffered continued.
Finally, the abuse became so violent that Nilofar fled to a shelter with her children. At the shelter, our partners in the field referred Nilofar to WAW.
WAW’s caseworkers and legal staff immediately set about restructuring Nilofar’s life. We sought housing for her, set her up with social benefits, and enrolled her in a domestic violence program for survivors.
In time, Nilofar found work, got her driver’s license, and even bought a car. She is learning to speak freely to other women about her experience and expressing herself without fear. Even her daughters have learned to be advocates for themselves and speak out against domestic violence and abuse.
Thank you for helping Nilofar and her children find community, safety, and peace of mind to rebuild their lives.
For more on Nilofar and the services you support to protect women against violence, read “No Family Matter.”
Fatima Wants to be a Lawyer
When Fatima came to the U.S., she quickly transitioned from fleeing for her life to facing the daunting task of navigating a difficult immigration system, different culture, and new language.
Fatima’s asylum case was immediately blocked by an age discrepancy that threatened to derail her entire case. Within weeks of arriving in the U.S., Fatima suddenly found her dream of freedom and a second chance at life in jeopardy.
When Fatima was referred to Women for Afghan Women (WAW), your support to our legal and casework teams helped Fatima get through her immigration crisis.
After six months of intense follow up, WAW’s legal team finally succeeded in resolving Fatima’s case and her asylum application was finally approved.
But Fatima’s story doesn’t end there.
Beyond providing this critical legal aid, WAW’s caseworkers helped Fatima enroll in ESL and GED classes so she could continue her education.
Finally feeling safe and settled, Fatima is now intent on pursuing a career in immigration law so that, one day, she can help others the way WAW’s lawyers helped her overcome similar struggles.
