Sweeta Noori INTERVIEW
were husband and wife because I was not walking behind my husband – but shoulder to shoulder. From then on I had to walk be- hind my husband to prove I was his wife. My husband is modern but we were feeling that there was no hope, no future.
After September 11, US bombardment was bad but it was a different Afghanistan. More liberal views, democratic Government – there was a voice for women, opportunities for women – peace process. Women were getting jobs, going to school – there was a constitution for the country guaranteeing women’s rights.
How did it feel to know WOM- EN FOR WOMEN INTERNATIONAL was
starting a year long programme for women? How has it been for you to be the Country Director for the WOMEN FOR WOMEN INTERNATIONAL?
With the US bombardment – we had to evaluate the women and families to the bor- der of Pakistan – big panic as we all became refugees. My friend told me don’t cry, take action – go back to Afghanistan and do something. With the strong support of my husband, I found Women for Women In- ternational which was working with women to help them rebuild their lives. Tis mis- sion matched my own compassion for do- ing something to focus on helping women. I started as a Programme Co-coordinator and then within a year I was Country Di- rector of Women for Women International Afghanistan at 27 years old. I have now been working with Women for Women for 10 years.
What change have you seen in women’s lives who have attend- ed this programme and what is life like for them?
Women for Women International’s spon- sorship programme matches each partici- pant with a sponsor from a global grassroots network providing direct financial aid and emotional support. Over the course of the 12-month programme, participants receive monthly cash assistance that allows for the purchase of basic necessities for herself and her family. Participants may use the funds to purchase medicine, school fees, food, trans- portation, or to begin a small income gen- eration activity.
Women for Women International-Afghan- istan encourages each participant to save a portion of their sponsorship funds. On av- erage, Women for Women International- Afghanistan participants use their sponsor- ship funds for the following activities: Food: 39% Clothing: 26% Savings: 32% School fees: 3%
14 INSPIRATIONAL WOMAN MAGAZINE
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