Learn. To make change, we must first have a nuanced and complex understanding of our status as Afghan women. Our allies must also understand the depth of our struggle but also our achievements and accomplishments. The first step to supporting gender equality in Afghanistan is learning more about Afghan women’s lives. Here are a few stats to get you started:
- Despite enormous gains in education, only 37 percent of adolescent girls are literate. (Source: Human Rights Watch)
- In 2008, 87.2% of women surveyed reported they faced at least one form of physical, sexual, or psychological violence or forced marriage in their lifetime. (Source: Global Rights)
- 90% of women surveyed in seven provinces said they had faced some form of street harassment. (Source: Women and Children Legal Research Foundation)
However, to learn about Afghan women’s status, one must go beyond stats. While often Afghan women are represented only as victims of violence and discrimination, we are more than that. We are change-makers and leaders in our communities at home and in the diaspora. Take the time to read interviews with women who are working hard to challenge the status quo and bring change. You can find interviews with women reporters, peace-builders, a taxi driver, activists, athletes, and more on our website.
Support women’s rights organizations. There are many incredible organizations working for women’s rights in Afghanistan and focusing on various aspects of empowerment and nearly all of them are underfunded. Do some research and find one that is transparent and resonates with you. Razia’s Ray of Hope and Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan are two of our favorites working for education and Medica Afghanistan does important work to support women survivors of violence.
You can also support our work. Free Women Writers is an all-volunteer collective of women and activists. We use advocacy, storytelling, and education to promote gender equality in Afghanistan. You can make a tax-deductible donation to our work here. 100% of donations go to funding our advocacy work, yearly scholarship, and more educational and empowering resources for Afghan women.
Uplift the voices of Afghan women on social media. Afghanistan’s women are often talked about, but rarely listened to. Read inspiring poems written by our members and contributors and stay updated on new pieces when you sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also join our ongoing campaigns against street harassment using the #EndSH and for girl’s education using #LetMeGoToSchool, or join us to support the Afghanistan Women’s National Football Team.
We are not alone. Dozens of Afghan women are using online media to tell their stories. Take the time to read their stories and uplifts their voices.
Read our book for women facing violence and pass it along to help a sister out. You Are Not Alone is a booklet for women facing violence in Afghanistan. Free Women Writers members Noorjahan Akbar and Maryam Laly wrote it after four years of research and conversations with Afghan women facing gender-based violence. It is available in Persian and Pashtu for free and for a small price in English. You can purchase your hardcopy or e-book directly from Amazon. Many of the lessons from this book are universal and every reader of You Are Not Alone can contribute to ending violence against women. All members and contributors to Free Women Writers are volunteers, so 100 percent of proceeds from the book go directly to our work.