Reston, VA – On Sunday, March 8, which was International Women’s Day, the Afghanistan Refugee Rescue Organization (ARRO-USA) celebrated Afghan women, acknowledging that their voices need to be heard in all walks of life. The event, held at the United Christian Parish (UCP) in Reston, provided an opportunity for Afghan women living in the greater Washington, DC, area to come together under one roof, exchange views on women’s rights, share their experiences and challenges building a life in the United States, and discuss how to make better use of available opportunities.
Key women speakers spoke about all they have overcome back home and in the US to establish successful lives. Rev. Elisabeth Williams, pastor of UCP, welcomed everyone and introduced the program participants. Hamida Arash, president of Arash Fashion (traditional Afghan clothing), was the master of ceremonies and spoke about the extreme restrictions on women in Afghanistan today and how she persevered to establish her own business in America.
Alaha Ahrar, president of International Kindness Sharing, an anti-human trafficking, anti-domestic violence and anti-poverty international nonprofit spoke next. She stated, “If women are educated, families will flourish, and if women are able to work, society will flourish.” Ahrar also pointed out that while the evening’s focus was on Afghan women, “it is important to remember women suffering all over the world.” She asked the audience to share stories of how women have influenced the person they have become, and many spoke of their mothers, aunts and teachers. One young boy bravely stood up to talk about his mother.
Ahrar emphasized, “All human beings need to be treated with dignity and respect. Like everyone, the Afghan women want a better life for their daughters.” They want them to have a good education, to be able to work and be full participating members in all aspects of society and not be forced into early marriages.
Azimi, a guest at the event who moved to the US in 1993 and is now a citizen, said the hardest thing about coming to the US was the culture change. She noted, “It was not easy and took time to adjust”. Her family is now emblematic of the Afghan diaspora – spread around the world with some in Germany, England and Canada, as well as the US and back in Afghanistan.
Nooria, an asylum seeker, asked that her real name not be used. She arrived in the US with her father and sisters a year ago. A family practice physician back in Afghanistan under the previous government, she was forced to stop working under the Taliban regime. Nooria noted that the language barrier has been her first issue. She also emphasized how hard it is to be a refugee— to start over and find community.
As many in the audience are newly in America, Anne Hochstrasser, a retired Fairfax County social work supervisor, provided valuable information on government and nonprofit resources to help them with resettlement.
As this is the lunar month of Ramadan, a time of fasting from sunrise to sunset for Muslims, the Iftar (breaking fast) dinner was held just after sunset. The program also included well-known Afghan singer, Latifa Azizi, who shared several songs as the audience clapped along.
It’s important to note that several husbands were present, supporting their wives and daughters. Sayed Makhdoom Raheen, the former Afghan Minister of Information and Culture, also attended, as did many American friends.
To close the evening, Sediqa Khalili, vice president of ARRO-USA, introduced ARRO’s Voice of Afghan Women Initiative, which will advocate for the rights of Afghan women and build a supportive community. She invited members of the audience to join in the effort and work together for the empowerment of Afghan women.
At the conclusion of the program, Bilal Ahmad Niazi, president of ARRO-USA, expressed hope that programs like this would encourage dialogue, raise awareness, and strengthen cooperation in support of Afghan women.
He also announced new partnerships between ARRO-USA and Arash Fashion, Mantu Halal Food Company, and International Kindness Sharing Organization, which will strengthen social, economic, and cultural cooperation in support of the Afghan community, particularly Afghan women.
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ARRO-USA is a new nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with a primary focus on assisting Afghan immigrants integrate into their new communities, connect with each other, and celebrate their culture with one another and their American neighbors. ARRO was first established successfully in Brazil. Now ARRO’s American branch, based in Reston, VA, is operating in the greater Washington, DC, region, with plans to expand across the US and to connect with Afghans across the diaspora and in Afghanistan. Our hope, our prayer is for the eventual reconstruction of Afghanistan.
At this stage, ARRO-USA operates as a resource hub to help Afghan immigrants connect with existing government and nonprofit social services in their local communities to obtain housing and food, education and job training, health care, and legal assistance. It also provides cultural gatherings and events—bringing together the Afghan community.
