Afghan Women's Writing Project

History is changed by the small actions of ordinary people. —Zahra A.

Welcome to the Afghan Women’s Writing Project (AWWP). AWWP’s mission is to empower Afghan women to share their voices with the world. Despite deteriorating security, women determined to tell their own stories gather online and in "writing huts" in undisclosed locations in Kabul and Herat to receive mentoring from American women authors and professors, and to participate in writing workshops and reading salons. AWWP's online magazine is the vehicle through which their stories are shared. The project also aims to promote greater economic independence for these women by strengthening their self-confidence,computer literacy and writing skills, and to encourage the inclusion of women’s voices in Afghanistan's national dialogue.

Journalist and novelist Masha Hamilton founded the AWWP in May 2009. She dedicated the project to the memory of Zarmeena, a mother of seven who was brutally put to death in Taliban-held Afghanistan before ever having the chance to tell her own story.

Security remains a key concern for many women in Afghanistan, especially those who are trying to work, or further their education, or who frankly tell their stories. Out of concern for their safety, this magazine does not use family names or specific locators.

Please leave comments for the writers. They work in isolation and depend on feedback to let them know their stories are being heard. Although the AWWP is a volunteer-based organization, it is AWWP’s goal to bring Internet service, laptops and books to Afghan women, including in Taliban-held areas. It costs $2,500 per woman per year to run the project; please consider donating to support the work of these courageous women. The AWWP is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit organization, and donations are tax-deductible.

To learn more about the AWWP, refer to the “Discover AWWP” section on this site.

On behalf of the Afghan writers and the AWWP team, thank you for visiting!