"Landlocked and mountainous, Afghanistan has suffered from such chronic instability and conflict during its modern history that its economy and infrastructure are in ruins, and many of its people are refugees.

Since the fall of the Taliban administration in 2001, adherents of the hard-line Islamic movement have re-grouped.

It is now a resurgent force, particularly in the south and east, and the Afghan government has struggled to extend its authority beyond the capital and to forge national unity.

Its strategic position sandwiched between the Middle East, Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent along the ancient "Silk Route" means that Afghanistan has long been fought over - despite its rugged and forbidding terrain." BBC World News, Afghanistan Country Profile, September 12, 2012

4 years ago, 31 year old Nooria returned home and declared her intention to take rights awareness and vocational training courses with Women for Women International in Afghanistan.  Her war-wounded, heroin addicted husband told her she was forbidden.  “What would the neighbors think?  He convinced my entire family to support him in his decision too,” explained Nooria.  

Nooria, so inspired by the call for female trainees, which she learned about through her local mosque, did not give up.  After months of negotiation, her husband, and her family capitulated, and so began Nooria’s training.  Today Nooria specializes in a local style of embroidery for a women’s cooperative.  “Now my role in my family has changed 100%.  I support my husband, my five children, I have money and I have respect.”  

With the income she makes from her embroidery, Nooria, a somber and no nonsense type of woman, is now able to pay for her husbands medical bills, but she still struggles.  She hopes to expand her skills in embroidery and business management, eventually opening her own embroidery and handicrafts cooperative.  

Nooria believes that “Peace begins in our own homes, then we, as women, will bring it to our offices, then to the society.”

Afghanistan has one of the worst women’s right records in the world, and even when the rights are enshrined in the law, they are poorly enforced according to civil rights groups. 

Nooria has taken constant inspiration from Women for Women, and will be participating in the Join Me on the Bridge Campaign to stand up not only for her rights, but for the rights of her 3 daughters.  

“With Women for Women, I was given the capacity to develop myself, to develop my children, and to teach my family.”  She continues “I am so thankful for Women for Women International, and the gift they have given us.  The more women who receive this training, the closer we will be to improving our positions in society and preventing violations against our rights.”  

This weekend as we challenge ourselves in the United Kingdom on our first adventure, we will be walking in honor of Nooria, the Women of Afghanistan, and as always, Women for Women International.  

Nooria's story was provided by Women for Women International, United Kingdom