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Solidarity. Commitment. Project

VOICE OF WOMEN

Etichetta DONNE E GIORNALISMO
Organisation
Voice of Women
Country of intervention
Afghanistan
Location
Herāt
Project start
2011
Project contact
Suraya Pakzad



In 1998 Suraya Pakzad set up the first organization to support women’s rights in Afghanistan: Voice of Women. In those days the association challenged the Taliban regime by teaching women to read and write.
Nowadays VOW offers shelter to women who have served prison sentences and to those who are in danger due to their relationships which are amoral according to the Afghan law.
Despite the fact that times are changing Suraya’s work is still very dangerous. In 2008 her courage was recognized by a special award – Women of Courage Award – by the American Department of State.
In 2009 Time Magazine included her in their list of the 100 most influential people in the world. This lady is a strong new voice who is working towards a change in her country.


Aims

The main aim of VOW is to give concrete support to women and their children. The organization promotes workshops, small businesses and a campaign to attract the attention to issues such as health and domestic violence. Education and projects for social economical development are the foundations for a better future.
A women’s leadership program is currently underway in order to enhance the employability of women for jobs in government departments, the private sector and national and international NGO’s.


The story of Shafiqa

The first commitment of the Foundation so far has been to pay the ransom for a child-bride. Twelve year old Shafiqa was sold by her family to a very old man. Unfortunately this is a common story for many children in Afghanistan. Shafiqa has been one of the lucky ones. She met Suraya Pakzad who took care of her in one of her shelters. The contribution of our Foundation paid for Shafiqa’s freedom and allowed her to return home.




Photo-Gallery