War and trauma have impacted both genders in profound ways. Working with young men brings change to our communities. Education of the younger generation is the single most important work Sahar can do. Youth are the future and their generation will determine where our country goes in the face of the US and NATO troop withdrawal. Our programs are not Western ideas, they are organic and come from within Afghanistan. Young people are able to learn, to grow and change. All of this reduces violence.
Shogofa Amini
As we reflect on the past year of turbulence, loss, and protest, we are moved by the importance of Sahar’s mission to educate Afghan girls and to partner with young men in the communities where we work. We continue to recognize that by educating the next generation of Afghan leaders, Sahar’s work is a part of creating a better world.
Our newest program, Men as Partners in Change (MPC), lays the foundation for developing gender allies so that both men and women are the leaders for the future of Afghanistan. The MPC program aims to engage young men in conversations that challenge current perceptions of masculinity and honor, and seed new thoughts about gender equality and human rights. By including men in the conversation around girls’ empowerment and connecting with young people in the communities where we work, young men have the opportunity to learn about themselves, their vulnerability, and their responsibility to improve the lives of women.
“In Afghanistan with 40 years of war, men are also victims of war and trauma but we did not hear their stories. The reason that men are more violent toward women and causing violence is that they were brought up that way, with society and culture shaping who they are. Men who experienced war, abuse during childhood, or dealing with a post-conflict situation were more likely to be violent towards their wife, sister, and mother. Working with men can reduce domestic violence and improve gender equality.”
Shogofa Amini
Throughout the course, students and trainers discuss fatherhood and caregiving, human rights, gender stereotypes, conflict resolution, mental health and trauma, and physical health. As reflected in focus groups and in-depth interviews with students and staff, there have been notable positive impacts on boys learning about the ways to improve the quality of life for girls and women. Reflecting on the program, one student shared:
“Before MPC, I used to feel ashamed walking with my mother. I didn’t want my friends to see me with her, but now I feel proud walking by her side. I hold her hand. I do not care if people are watching me. This is because MPC changed how I think about women’s rights.”
MPC Student
Both MPC and our other educational programs aim to serve our students with the foundational understanding that with support, young people are able to address the needs of their own communities.
Each and every donor friend of Sahar is an essential member of our community that champions Afghan girls’ education. We hope you will make a donation gift of a minimum of $100.00 today to provide safe learning environments for girls and foster gender allies that also support the human rights of girls and women in Afghanistan.
With Gratitude,
Ginna Brelsford, Executive Director
Catherine Gelband, Board President
