I have seen that the average number in a household is 10, do extended families live togeth- er?
Developed countries don’t live with their extended family. In Afghanistan it is im- portant to live with relatives with about 7 to 10 adults and children per house hold. Te woman would go to live with her in-laws – men never would live with the women’s family. Women will only receive one eighth of the value of the household if she has a son.
How has the financial assis- tance from WOMEN FOR WOMEN helped women in Afghanistan?
Women for Women International officially opened a country office in the Islamic Re- public of Afghanistan in 2002. Women for Women International-Afghanistan oper- ates satellite offices in Mazār-e-Sharif, Ja- lalabad, and Parwan Province. Work has been concentrated in Kabul, Kapisa, Par- wan, Nangarhar, Balkh, and Wardak.
Women for Women International delivers a holistic programme to socially exclud- ed women that addresses their economic and social needs, and builds awareness about their rights. Te organisation pro- vides women with access to education and knowledge which combined with access to resources leads to lasting change.
Women for Women International pro- gramme consists of sponsorship, including monthly direct aid, a year-long curriculum that offers bi-monthly training sessions in life skills and rights, business and skills training. Women for Women’s programme
promotes lasting social and economic change for women and communities lead- ing to peaceful and stable societies.
Over 33,000 women have graduated from the Women for Women International pro- gramme in Afghanistan since its founder Zainab Salbi first set up the programme during the Bosnia conflicts to move women from victim to survivor to active citizens.
What changes has being a Coun- try Director brought in your own life?
Being a leader has more responsibility — it’s time to do something that you believe in –a big change– it empowers me being able to do something and I am respected as a woman by the male leaders of my com- munity.
How do women who voted in 2004 & 2005 feel, how was that experience for them?
2,000 women go to the poll stations – all Women for Women International staff and participants are encouraged to go to the polling stations. Wardak province has very conservative people – women voted and the District Local Governor made sure the pro- cess was transparent to stop any corruption - so that women’s vote could be counted.
You joined women for women in 2002, what has been the most touching moment for you over the years?
What has touched me – how a woman can change the entire community with her small opportunity and can succeed.
January/February 2012 15
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