When I think of heroes, I think of the women of Afghanistan. Who during the Taliban’s initial rule, were beaten, tortured, and executed for daring to step outside without a man, yet still fought tooth and nail. After the Taliban was toppled, it was these same women who, despite their limited access to education, disrupted and dismantled the countries cultural and societal norms so that a little girl could dream of a life beyond marital slavery. Today, it is these same women and children who are the most endangered. The images of families clinging on to the sides of airplanes as they take off doesn’t do justice to the sheer desperation and terror that these people are going through. Yet it is still the women of Afghanistan who are rallying in Kabul. Our donations to Women for Afghan Women can help secure visas for those in need and provide much needed resources for those who were lucky enough to escape.

More information about Women for Afghan Women: Women for Afghan Women (WAW) is a grassroots, civil society organization. We are committed to working towards a world in which Afghan women and girls in Afghanistan, New York, and throughout the world enjoy peace, justice, equality, and the freedoms to participate in all spheres of life and live without fear. We advocate for women's rights and challenge the norms that underpin gender-based violence wherever opportunities arise to influence attitudes and bring about change. (Be sure to send receipts of your donation to Courtney Chan, in order to take advantage of the corporate matching policy)