My time in Herat focused on working in partnership with Suraya Pakzad, Director of Voice of Women Organization, and her staff on the on-going projects and planning future projects.

Suraya remains strong and dedicated to the cause of protecting, providing services, and educating the women and men of Afghanistan on the issues of human rights and equality, and stopping the violence in the country, especially towards innocent women.

I was respected and cared for while there living in the home of Suraya, her husband Mattem and their two daughters and three sons.  I always respected the cultural rules, but we spent our time as any other family and guests would; eating, talking, laughing, caring, watching TV, and doing other things together.   Suraya’s life is safe because of her graceful approach and cautions taken every day, but still the threats continue by those opposed to change.  It takes courage that is deep in your soul and because of this within her she continues, receiving loyal support and help from her family, staff and supporters.  

The VWO programs continue and many more are planned; such as establishing another safe shelter for women, the start up of the first women’s drug treatment program in western Afghanistan, and education for communities on water, hygiene and sanitation to mention a few here.  Traveling Mercies and VWO will continue to partner together in Afghanistan and other places. We plan to open a VWO and Traveling Mercies office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 2010. 

In Herat City, Afghanistan, VWO operates the only women’s shelter as a safe haven and a home to the battered and often violated women in western Afghanistan.  The shelter cares for 30 or more women and their children, offering them safety, security, food, medical, legal, and psychological services.  They are encouraged and well cared for, but their history of abuse, violence, and forced marriage, makes this program a big challenge every day.  Suraya and her staff are dedicated, even in the face of much resentment and threats by the dominant male society.  They carry on making life better for the innocent, beautiful women at the shelter as they are shielded from further harm.  The women are talented as some make jewelry and knit, while others create quilts, shawls, candles and other items offering them for sale.  They also enjoy watching TV and movies.  However, VWO only had a small, poor quality TV, so along with VWO’s assistance, Traveling Mercies purchased and installed a large new TV/DVD player.  They were all so excited and grateful saying now they can gather to watch TV, movies, and most important educational videos.  Other gifts and support for the shelter’s needs were also made and offered on behalf of all the supporters of Traveling Mercies.

Suraya Pakzad and her organization (VWO) have established a number of women run restaurants in Herat, Afghanistan. They are owned and operated by women, for the financial benefit of widows, and also to provide a safe place where women could openly meet, eat, and talk together.  Two of the restaurants, located in the center park of Herat City, were operating using well water that was unreliable and of poor quality.  Along with the support of VWO, Traveling Mercies constructed a water system for both restaurants.  Approximately 400 meters of piping and all the required fittings and accessories were installed connecting once again to the city water well system.  Labor for these projects were hired and paid for by Traveling Mercies.  The women running the restaurants were so very grateful and pleased because this made the water quality safe and reliable, and the food taste better.  These projects cost $3000. An additional contribution of $2500 was made to improve the services offered by purchasing new equipment.  Helping others so they can help themselves, especially the women in Afghanistan, is most important for the health and future of the communities, and the country’s future in becoming self-reliant.