Synopses & Reviews
Women for Afghan Women: Shattering Myths and Claiming the Future is a collaborative attempt to write history, to bring greater awareness to the issues of Afghanistan and Afghan women, and to promote the agency of Afghan women in issues that impact their lives. The book includes a variety of female voices, highlighting a unifying desire to come together as women and share, network, and strategize for change. This desire is focused on Afghan women but is also about global sisterhood and about the importance of feminist activism on an international level. “Women for Afghan Women,” a group comprised of both Afghan and non-Afghan women, was formed in April 2001 and is committed to the struggle for Afghan women's human rights.
Review
"A very valuable addition to the spate of recent works on Afghanistan."--B. Tavakolian, Choice
"...this excellent collection...provides both basic information for a newcomer...and sophisticated critiques...."--Amy Zalman, Women's Review of Books
“Over the last few months, many people have spoken on behalf of Afghan women; this book serves the invaluable function of allowing them to speak for themselves.” —Amitav Ghosh, author of The Glass Palace
“This stimulating collection gives a voice to women whose voices have been
shrouded in silence. To read the words of many of these remarkable women
is to understand the truth behind-and beyond-the burqa.” —Shashi Tharoor, author and Head of the Department of Public Information, United Nations
“The writing in this book gives testament to the brilliance, power and potential of the women of Afghanistan. These voices must be heard.” —Eve Ensler, author, The Vagina Monologues and Necessary Targets
“...some survival stories make history. In this regard, the women in Afghanistan and refugee Afghan women worked in the shadows to preserve their dignity. I commend the members of ‘Women for Afghan Women for this illuminating collection of essays.” —Asma Jahangir, Supreme Court of Pakistan; UN envoy
“...Women were responsible for mobilizing international public opinion against the Taliban and for rescuing Afghanistan.This book ensures that their story is told, that their struggle is not forgotten and that it continues as Afghan women try and rebuild their shattered lives and country.” —Ahmed Rashid, author of Taliban
"In the past year, many books have been compiled to address Americans'
general unawareness of Afghanistan and the plight of its people. This one covers that vacuum by telling the story of Afghan women through their own voices...This particularly well-written, readable work provides timely insights and information about the people of Afghanistan and the faith of Islam. Recommended in addition to basic sources about the region."
-- Deborah Bigelow, Library Journal
...provide[s] an antidote to Western arrogance...attempt[s] to give a voice to the world's unheard women.
-Washington Post Book World
Synopsis
This groundbreaking collection traces the history of women's rights and roles in Afghanistan over the past 30 years; it examines the current human rights crisis, and suggests realistic solutions for post-war Afghanistan.
Synopsis
Includes bibliographical references (p. [213]-215) and index.
About the Author
Sunita Mehta is the co-founder of “Women for Afghan Women,” director of grants at “The Sister Fund” in New York City and on the board of “SAKHI,” a South Asian Women's Center for Anti-Violence Education.
Table of Contents
Afghanistan: Truth and Mythology - Foreword by Sima Wali * Together, Centered in Community, We Take on the World - Introduction by Sunita Mehta and Homaira Mamoor *
Section One: The Lessons of History * Women Have No Name in That Land - Poetry by Fevziye Rahzogar Barlas * Afghan Women: An Allegory - Freshta Amirzada * Looking Back, Looking Forward - Section One Introduction by Eleanor Smeal *Women and Equality in Islam - Sanaa Nadim * The Zan of Afghanistan: A 35-Year Perspective on Women In Afghanistan - Arlene Lederman * Excerpts From
An Apostles Diary - Liz Gould and Paul Fitzgerald * The Kaleidoscope of Memory - Gloria Steinem * The Mission of RAWA: Freedom, Democracy, Human Rights - Weeda Mansoor * The Loya Jirgah or Grand Assembly Tradition in Afghanistan: Will the Formation of a Loya Jirgah Empower Women and Solve the Crisis in Afghanistan? - Sara Amiryar *A Vision of Justice, A Vision of Equality, A Vision of Peace - Fahima Vorgetts *The Role of Women in Afghanistans Economy - Halima Kazem * Miss Afghanistan: A Story of a Nation - Zohra Yusuf Daoud * History, Faces, Transplanted Lives - Photoessay by Lina Pallotta *
Section Two: Stories and Strategies for Claiming the Future * In Mourning of My City; Scream (Faryad) - Poetry by Atia Gaheez * On Making Political Change - Section Two Introduction by Ruth Messinger * The Role of the U.S. Womens Movement in Supporting the Afghan Womens Struggle: A Muslim Perspective - Riffat Hassan * United Nations Activities for Afghanistan - Angela King * Women are Opening Doors: Security Council Resolution 1325 in Afghanistan - Felicity Hill and Mikele Aboitiz * I Hope This Letter Will Reach You - Irena Lieberman * Afghanistan: A Public Health Disaster - Zohra Rasekh * Two Identities, One Mission - Fariba Nawa * Hope In Afghanistan - Masuda Sultan * From Pawns to Principals: The Future of Afghan Women - Epilogue by Rina Amiri *