Afghan Women’s Writing Project, Inc.

The Afghan Women’s Writing Project, Inc. (AWWP) is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women in Afghanistan through writing. Founded in May 2009 by journalist Masha Hamilton, AWWP seeks to amplify the voices of Afghan women who have historically faced significant barriers to education and expression. The organization provides a platform for women to share their stories and experiences, thereby fostering their economic independence and social empowerment.

Mission and Objectives

AWWP's mission is rooted in the belief that the freedom to tell one's own story is a fundamental human right. The organization aims to:

• Empower Afghan women: By enhancing their writing and computer literacy skills, AWWP helps women find their voices and share their narratives.
• Promote inclusion: The project works to include the stories of illiterate women and those with disabilities, ensuring a broad representation of Afghan women's experiences.
• Raise global awareness: By disseminating the women's work globally, AWWP seeks to highlight the importance of women's rights and independence in Afghanistan.

Programs and Activities

AWWP offers various programs aimed at supporting Afghan women writers:

• Online Writing Workshops: The core of AWWP's activities involves online workshops that pair Afghan women with international writers, educators, and journalists. This remote format allows participation from women across Afghanistan while maintaining their safety.

• Local Workshops: In addition to online offerings, AWWP conducts monthly workshops in several Afghan provinces. These sessions provide a safe space for women to write and share their work, often away from the scrutiny of their families or communities.

• Computer and Internet Access: Recognizing the digital divide, AWWP provides laptops and internet service to women who need them, facilitating access to online resources and workshops.

• Oral Stories Component: AWWP has initiated efforts to capture the stories of illiterate and disabled women, ensuring that their voices are also heard.

Impact

Since its inception, AWWP has engaged nearly 300 Afghan women, helping them publish over 2,000 essays and poems, shared with global audiences. Participants report significant personal growth, gaining self-confidence and a sense of agency through their writing. The organization emphasizes the transformative power of storytelling, with many women expressing that participation has changed their perceptions of themselves and their roles within their communities.

Founder's Vision

Masha Hamilton founded AWWP in response to the horrifying suppression of Afghan women, including the public execution of Zarmeena, a mother who lacked the opportunity to narrate her own story before her death. This pivotal moment inspired Hamilton to create a platform where Afghan women could articulate their experiences directly, without needing to rely on male family members or the media.

Through its innovative approach, the Afghan Women’s Writing Project continues to be a vital force for change in Afghanistan, providing women with the tools to express their thoughts, dreams, and aspirations in the face of adversity. By fostering a culture of writing and expression, AWWP contributes significantly to the empowerment of women in a challenging socio-political landscape.

[1] https://www.w4.org/en/wowwire/afghan-womens-writing-project/ [2] https://frictionlit.org/afghan-womens-writing-project/ [3] https://borgenproject.org/afghan-womens-writing-project/ [4] https://kyotojournal.org/asian-encounters/hearing-their-voices-the-afghan-womens-writing-project/ [5] https://nsuworks.nova.edu/shss_dcar_etd/93/