We all have heard a lot about Afghanistan in the United States through the media, but a lot of us probably do not understand how women's lives are there today. Here are some very compelling facts:
"We warn you to leave your job as a teacher as soon as possible , otherwise we will cut the heads off your children and shall set fire to your daughter."
And:
“We will kill you in such a harsh way that no woman has so far been killed in that manner."
‐‐‐Time magazine’s reports of letters obtained by Human Rights Watch
Security is the most significant issue in Afghanistan. It is difficult for the Afghan and U.S. governments to focus on human rights when the Afghan government is at war. Nonprofit organizations are helping women get back on their feet after three decades of warfare. Many NGOs (nongovernmental organizations) are working in Afghanistan to empower women by, for example, training women to be health and birth attendants and selling crafts made by Afghan women. Proceeds go back to the women. In a world of patriarchal rule and domestic violence, women can learn to support themselves without men through their crafts.
The mission of Rubia in Afghanistan is to develop economic opportunities through craft heritage, to support education, and to promote health and well-being for Afghan women and their families.
From Rubia: “What differentiates us from other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is the access and context in which we work. Most NGOs working in Afghanistan avoid programs in the countryside due to lack of security. Rubia, through its grassroots network and strong relationship with other local organizations, works primarily among the rural population, the most marginalized of Afghan women; our programs are driven by their needs and capacity. We are committed to improving conditions for Afghan women and their families in incremental, sustainable steps. Above all, we respect and function within the cultural norms and day-to-day realities of Afghan family life.”
The Threads of Change Program: Dining for Women's donations will fund the development and implementation of Rubia’s Threads of Change Program. The integrated program in literacy, health, human rights, civics and handwork will impact over 600 women in Nangtahar, Afghanistan, mentoring emerging leaders to continue and expand the program. This program teaches practical skills and disseminates information about rights, civics, income and health, thus empowering Afghan women and their families.
Rubia eloquently describes more about the program in a way a lot of women here can understand in their latest newsletter on their website: "Contrary to the image of stitchery as retro domesticity, imprisoning women in their customary and predictable roles, we view embroidery as a positive and actual means of liberation for Afghan women. [...] Needlework may be the most feminine of art forms, but it is a means to liberation as well. The needle is so much more than a sewing tool: for Rubia women who first learn to spell their names in stitchery, it is a writing tool as well. For rural Afghan women, credibility and status can only be raised in a way that is meaningful to their community; within the culture and rhythm of their daily lives. It will take time for their work to be valued, in the long term, starting slowly and building over time. We recognize that change in Afghanistan is generational."
You can read more about Rubia on Dining For Women's site and at their homepage.
If you are not on our evite distribution and would like to be, please email erikakeaveney@gmail.com. These dinners are open to the public, though for reasons of privacy and limited space, we will not be publishing event details on the blog.
