and everything changed. I learned that if I stand, everyone will stand, other women in my country will stand.”
-Roya, AWWP participant
Your support helps Afghan women tell their stories through our online and on-the-ground workshops. Above, a writer in Kabul begins to write on the theme “Who Am I?”
Issue 30
January 2012
Greetings!
Thank you for your support of the Afghan Women’s Writing Project. While most of the writers in the AWWP program participate through our online workshops, some are able to meet each other and attend a workshop at a secure location in Afghanistan. We thought you’d enjoy seeing the newly decorated room which the writers have named their “Writers’ Hut”.
AWWP “Writers’ Hut” where some of the women come for to share their writing over a cup of chai
Word of mouth through Kabul and Herat Province-based staff is how women find out about our unique workshops which simply allow them to tell their stories without fear of retribution or filter. A rotating cast of American women writers mentor them in craft, English skills, and support through online writing workshops; their writing is published online at awwproject.org.
We invite you to read some of their stories below and on our website. We hope you leave your comments for the writers, and please, if you are able, make a donation. No donation is too small.
Rachel Dratch Headlines the January 22, 2012 Poetry Event
Upcoming Events to Benefit Afghan Women’s Writing Project
New York Comedians for Afghan Women. SNL alum RACHEL DRATCH headlines second of two benefit readings of poetry and prose written by participants in the Afghan Women’s Writing Project.
All proceeds support AWWP.
“For the women of the AWWP, some of whom literally hide their laptops under their burqas, writing about their lives is an act of incredible bravery — and an inspiring gift to all of us. Everyone should hear what they have to say,” says Rachel Dratch.
At both performances, participants’ work will be presented by female veterans of New York’s theater and improv stages. with Q & A to follow.
But when I went to school I saw that I was different from everyone, and I said to my father, “I want to come back to the village.” My father said, “No. I will not take you back. Stay there and follow your school and studies.” He sent money to support me.
But then, my brothers had begun to grow up, and my father was becoming old.
They can’t decide their future and can’t stand up to the mad traditions and wild decisions of their families. Of course forced marriages are never successful and then the families say to the girl that it is your destiny and God gave you this kind of life. Read the rest of Norwan’s essay here.
Thank you to our recent donors:
Rotary Club of Long Grove, IL
Dr. Charlotte Reback
Ruud Vekemans
Karen Schneider
San Ramon Rotary Club, in memory of Marsha Smalley
If you would like information on the project, or how to donate money, time, computer resources, or any kind of technical/business expertise that might help promote and strengthen The Afghan Women’s Writing Project’s aims and goals, then please contact us at:
