What We Do
We're on a mission to give opportunity to each wanting woman and to secure clean water for each family in Afghanistan.
Water, Sanitation, & Hygiene
Improved Access | Disinfection Devices | Hygiene Awareness
In Afghanistan, women bear the burden of poor water access and sanitation. Constructing wells decreases the distance women have to travel to fetch water and decrease contamination exposure. Although W&WA helps coordinate and fund well construction, we recognize that alone is not enough. What sets W&WA apart is that we help purchase well repair kits and we work with professionals in water treatment to bring low-cost, zero-waste water disinfection devices to communities. Additionally, we provide informational sessions to communities on how to improve sanitation and hygiene.
Land Cooperatives
Women Farmers | Sustainable Agriculture
Women's role in sustainable agriculture and food security is invaluable. However, women are currently unable to own land in Afghanistan under existing conditions. Generous community leaders donate their fertile land to our cause and the women of W&WA do the rest. Our land cooperatives allow women to work the land and grow food for their families and communities. We currently have 30 acres of land in the Kabul province and 8 acres in the Bamiyan province.
Vocational Schools
Trade Courses | Technical Training | Financial Guidance
At W&WA, we believe that women’s economic participation is key to prosperous and progressive future in Afghanistan. Our vocational schools will help secure such a future. Class subjects include budgeting, English, Dari, agriculture, embroidery and more. We ensure that we offer vocational training both meets a market need and is accessible to women who need it most, particularly widows. According to IFAD, there are an estimated 1 million Afghan widows and 90% of them have 4 or more children. Due to lack of education and Afghanistan's patriarchal society, many have no choice but to become beggars. With an education, women can support their families and support a better future for Afghanistan.
Who We Are
We're on a mission to connect the world to a cause that matters.
Gina Abawi
Founder, Chief Executive Officer
Gina is a respected defender of gender equality. As an Afghan asylee, Gina is also dedicated to helping Afghanistan achieve its potential. Gina was recognized by both the Bush and Obama administration for her work in Afghanistan and has been featured in media outlets such as Oprah, NPR, and the Washington Post. She believes that although good things may come to those who wait, great things come to those who work hard and don't give up.
Elizabeth Duffy
Co-Founder, Chief Operations Manager
Elizabeth, known as Lizzy, is a fearless advocate for the environment and water rights. At the age of 21, her alma-mater named a sustainability award in her honor. Since, she has worked in research and development for environmental and consumer rights organizations. To Elizabeth, work is love made visible. Her motto is one passed down from her father- no one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.
Why Women & Water
Our common sense tactics address the real issues facing Afghanistan!
Our approaches are designed for Afghan society
We recognize the localized structure of Afghan society and have built our organization the same way. We don't have teams of managers within our organization. This does two things: it saves money, reserving the money for our project materials, and it fosters reliable community leadership. Our bottom-up approach empowers locals by allowing them flexibility in guiding our projects. We want to engage people in a way that encourages them to become community organizers and promotes idea-sharing.
Connect With Us
Like us on Facebook or send us an email!
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womenwaterofafghanistan@
gmail.com
