Women for Afghan Women (WAW) is an organization of Afghan and non-Afghan women from the New York area who are committed to ensuring the human rights of Afghan women. WAW promotes the agency of local Afghan women through the creation of safe forums where Afghan women can network, develop programs to meet their specific needs and participate in human rights advocacy in the international circle. WAW raises funds for the rehabilitation of Afghanistan, particularly schools and health facilities for women and children. Recognizing that the ability to earn one’s living is fundamental to the empowerment of women, WAW supports the development of vocational training programs for women in Afghanistan who have been denied access to education and professional training. WAW attempts to achieve its mission by providing community outreach to New York-based Afghan women, human rights advocacy and direct support.

WAW utilized the grant from The Sister Fund to develop a firm financial base for its day-to-day operations. This base enabled staff and volunteers to devote their time and energy to the following:
• Outreach into Afghan communities and neighborhoods throughout the tri-state area;
• Communicating the needs of Afghan women to the general population; and
• Fundraising projects that will provide children in Afghanistan with a basic education and women with literacy and skills that will bring them economic and psychological independence.