Fondiaria Sai Foundation
WOMEN to be the on-line magazine from Herat
A collection of the first year issues July 2010 - July 2011
WOMEN to be the on-line magazine from Herat
A collection of the first year issues July 2010 - July 2011 Copyright © 2011 by Fondiaria Sai Foundation Edited by Barbara Donat-Cattin. Created by Erika Pauselli Cover photo © Alessandro Belgiojoso www.fondazionefondiariasai.it
Contents
Foreword Introduction 1st PART - 2010 n.1 July n.2 August n.3 September n.4 October n.5 November n.6 Dicem ber
2nd PART - 2011 n.7 January n.8 Fe bruary n.9 March n.10 April n.11 May n.12 June/J uly l
Contributors
Foreword
This is a collection of all the articles and reports which were published in the first year of the on-line magazine WOMEN to be. This edited/publishing project by the Fondiaria Sai Foundation has helped everyone involved to have a better understanding of Afghanistan thanks to the unconventional words and photos of the young journalists involved.
If the lack of freedom prevents women from expressing their talent it will be evidenced in the stories written by our reporters. Their words and photos accompany us on a journey through Afghan women’s dreams, hopes and creativity.
In 2010 during my mission in Afghanistan I realised that the first priority in such a country was to give voice to the women. Meeting these women covered by their burqa was an extraordinary experience. The thing that impressed me most was that despite their life under this very heavy piece of clothing – which allows them onlly a few inches of lhlight–all thhese women are stillll dldesperatelytrying to make themselves heard. For all these reasons we have decided to set up the Women Journalists project in partnership with the Cattolica University of Milan.
This experience was very important for me especially as I shared it with prof. Marco LbdiLombardi who hldheld this jlitjournalist course for these stdtudent s. I would also like to thank Mr. La Russa (former Italian Minister of Defence) and Mr. Frattini (former Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs) for their important contribution to our magazine. I will always be extremely grateful to the members of PRT and CIMIC who have supported me and above all the Fondiaria Sai Foundation who have contributed to improving these young women’ s future: a future to be”.
Giulia Ligresti President of the Fondiaria Sai Foundation
Introduction
WOMEN to be confirms the FFdondiaria Sai FFdoundation commitment not only for women but also for a Country going through a complex transition. A distant Nation both geographically and culturally, a completely different world. For better or worse? OlOnly hihitstory can tlltell. Most of the articles and photo reports were written and realized by young women. These women represent the future and - above all - are the novelty of a society where too often there has been a lack of dialogue. This volume includes contributions and real evidence which enable us to discover Afghanistan. A Country full of contrasts with a wide gap between men and women. It is thanks to WOMEN to be that a minority of women have had the possibility to express themselves. Civil and military authorities, important personalities and well-known journalists have all agreed to the same aim: to bring out the best in these young Afghan women. This volume is the living proof of a successful project which has been created day by day with an important partner like the Cattolica University of Milan. The constant confrontation with professor Lombardi has transformed a job into a life experience. The key-word has been collaboration.
Barbara Donat-Cattin Secretary General of the Fondiaria Sai Foundation
July n. 1
In this issue: Minister of Defence I. La Russa - Open letter G. Ligresti - “My” Afghanistan M. Lombardi - Becoming journalists in Herat S. Hashemi - Press conference with Maria Bashir S. Hashemi - Free medical service in Camp Vianini
July 2010 n°1
Letter of the Minister of Defence Ignazio La Russa
The men and women serving in Afghanistan are fully aware - just as we are - that their presence not only safeguards the rebuilding of this tormented Country, but also ensures our freedom and keeps the dangers of war and terrorism away from our homes. I have stated many times that this mission will not be a done deal unless the so-called process of Afghanisation is finalised. This means that local institutions and the Afghan people must acquire a minimum degree of autonomy so that they can decide on their future and manage all available resources on their own. Bearing this in mind, I am deeply convinced that a larger Italian military engagement should be flanked by a much deeper action and political strategy aimed at providing stability to the Country, and that more effective institution building activities should be implemented with a view to consolidating the local civil society. Within the framework of such projects, the media also play a leading role. The workshop titled ‘Women and journalism: representation and professionalization of the Afghan woman in the local and global media’ is part of the initiatives. It was promoted by the International Solidarity Centre of the Catholic University of Milan, whose partners are the Fondiaria Sai Foundation, the Italian Embassy in Kabul and the Provincial Reconstruction Te a m (PRT) of Herat, an Army-Framework Unit involved in reconstruction, development and governance efforts. At present the project – which is supervised by Professor Marco Lombardi of the Catholic University of Milan – is part of a wider span of cooperation activities between the Universities of Milan and Herat. Its aim is to teach Afghan women professional skills with a special focus on communication and media. Unfortunately, Afghanistan is still a Country where gender discri mi nati on isverystrong: women’s economicreliance on men, illiteracy, and thepoor knowledge of their own rights are only some of the aspects which prevent women from reaching a satisfactory degree of emancipation. We are very proud to give these young women the possibility to continue their studies and hence improve their general conditions. This is why I want to thank not only the Catholic University of Milan and the Fondiaria Sai Foundation for their incessant promotion of this media workshop, but also our military forces. In ftfact,everyday they carry out difficu lt and dangerous tktasks withith strong sacrifice and enthusi asm to help the population working with the Afghan Police, they contributed to setting up a safe and secure environment for this workshop to be held. My praise also goes to these female students, who have proved to be valuable people and who Afghanistan can rely on for its future. July 2010 n°1
My Afghanistan “WOMEN to be” a progect to give voice to Afghan women by Giulia Ligresti
Last February when I left for Afghanistan with the intention of setting up a school for the children of Herat I was unaware what I would be up against. I realised that the first priority, in such a country, was to give voice to the women who are still oppressed by the Taliban. Meeting these women covered by their burka was an extraordinary experience. The thing that impressed me most was that despite their life under this very heavy piece of clothing – which allows them onlyafew ihinches of lig ht–all thhese women are still dldesperatelytrying to make themselves heard. This project was inspired by this exchange of glances. "WOMEN to be" is a monthly magazine on line written by female students.
I would like to show my appreciation and gratitude to prof. Marco Lombardi from Cattolica University (Milan) who held this journalism course for thesesamestudents. Without these lectures, organized in collaboration with PRT (Provincial Reconstruction Team), the Fondiaria Sai Foundation would never have had this important opportunity. Twenty young female students were encouraged to speak about the reality of daily life in Herat focused on the conditions of women.
The first edition of "WOMEN to be" shows the less stereotype Afghanistan which is the result of the dreams, hopes and creativity of our brand new reporters. We are allowed to enter this unknown world so different from our own daily lives. I will always be extremely grateful to the members of PRT and CIMIC who have supported me and above all the Foundation to contribute to a better future: a future tobe.
July 2010 n°1
Press conference with Maria Bashir June 9th 2010
by Soraya Hashemi
My first experience as a journalist was the press conference with Maria Bashir, held in this course. Ms. Maria Bashir is the chief of the Attorney Department of Herat. She was appointed to this post five years ago. On that time she was one of the colleagues of the department, but after she admirably managed to solve a corruption case in Attorney Department the board of the department decided to choose her as the chief. She was graduated from Law Faculty, Herat University. She is married and has two children.
At the beginning of the conference she said that it is an honor for her to be among young journalists and that she is ready to answer all of their questions. She believes that being questioned by journalists is far more difficult than being questioned by judge in the court. The first question asked was about the bribery and the corruption. «The devil of bribes and corruption are the most terrible and at the same time the most powerful problems we have had in Afghanistan for too many years», Maria Bashir said.
One of the other trainees asked the secret of her success. She said she does not feel very successful but the only thing she is sure about is that she has always fought against corruption. The other question was: «Can high salaries obliterate corruption or bribe?». According to Mrs. Bashir these two phenomena need too many efforts to be completely wiped out, but she said: «I am sure the most part of it can be solved by higher salaries». The complaints of Herat prisoners regarding the delay in the trials was the next question asked by one of the journalists. She was very brave to answer this question she said it is true because even right now the High Court is still solving the cases from 2009. But she added that this problem is due to lack of facilities needed for these kind of jobs.
One of the participants wanted to know about the rate or graph of the violence against women in the last year in Herat. «Violence graph has unfortunately gone up during the last year, especially in the district. Inside the town we have also too many cases about this issue but the most terrible ones are from the districts», Mrs. Bashir said. July 2010 n°1
Becoming journalists in Herat New voices for Afghanistan
by Marco Lombardi
Women. Students. Journalists. 3 ways of living which break the usual rules and behaviour in Afghanistan. One of the first result of our journalism course was that 20 female students armed with digital cameras realized a series of documentaries to show us another face of Herat: artisans (pottery, glass, saffron, linen), grandmothers with their grandchildren, young drug addicts, peoplewihith disabili t ies bibeing hlhelpe d. Whoever could have imagined that a country, despite the bombs, leads a normal everyday life? All these reports are similar to our own reality even if some of them may appear distasteful. Our students, drawing on previous teachings by the Department of Journalism of Herat and by the training courses by our PRT, have been involved in representing and “telling” the reality with the spirit of rebuilding their country. They were not only enthusiastic, but also self conscious and skilled. In fact the effort carried out by Fondiaria Sai Foundation and Catholic University, in a groundbreaking civil and military cooperation, aims at fostering the emergence of the woman as a driving force for the Afghan development. Good journalism is a way to document the reality through the value of freedom of expression which paves the ground to a positive destiny. In WOMEN to be,the vision of these women who, one after the other, will tell us through words and images this change, materializes. It is not a dream, but a future scenario that we will develop together. Credits: Alessandro Belgiojoso July 2010 n°1
Free medical service in Camp Vianini
by Soraya Hashemi
Everybody knows that the number of international forces is increasing more and more in Afghanistan every day. One of the famous groups of forces is ISAF. People mostly think that ISAF forces are here just to fight and nothing else. But if one goes deeply under the skin of the city, it will be clear that these people do more than fighting. One example of this kind of activities is free medical service that the Italian PRT provides for civilians every day in their military camp called Camp Vianini. The medical team visits about 50 patients every day in two shifts. Besides medicine this team provides some donations for the patients. Most important is that, they try to provide milk for babies and essential materials for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Children are treated so kindly there that they feel free to play or take pictures with the soldiers. There is a bright look in the eyes of the waiting children. They are the generation that is going to build the future of our country, but nobody pays attention to them but foreigners. The real thing they need now is affection and attention. Today if they do not receive affection how can they be kind to the next generation?
August n. 2
In this issue: Minister for Foreign Affairs F. Frattini - Open letter LTC. F. Zacchè - Italy leader in civil-militaryyp cooperation Shaheen - Press Conference with Suraya Pakzad A. Belgiojoso - My experience at the Herat University W. Ehari - A timeless craft: the carpet making industry August 2010 n°2
Letter of the Minister for Foreign Affairs Franco Frattini
Although the military component remains a security requirement for the present moment, Afghanistan’s stabilisation depends equally on strong and credible institutions, citizens’ trust in those institutions and socio-economic development. Indeed, Italy’s intervention in Afg han is tan is disti ngu is he d precilisely by theciv ilian component of itscommitmen t. The Itali an Development Cooperation has spent over € 414 million (of the approximately € 487 million approved) on funding major national development programmes that include building and restoring the Kabul-Bamyan road, national rural development programmes such as the National Solidarity Programme, national micro-financing programmes in the western region and the Herat PRT concentrated particularly in the sectors of governance, healthcare and agriculture. We are also among thetopdonors whhen itcomestocriiiteriasuch as ownership, inthat we earmark thhe majority of our resources for national Afghan-run programmes. We are also on-site with programmes aimed at the defence and enhancement of Afghanistan’s cultural, historical and archaeological treasures (the ISIAO archaeological mission, ICR restoration courses, study grants) and in the field of higher education, with partnerships developing between Italian and Afghan universities. Our civilian focus is also markdked byefforts at promoting private sector relations between Afg han and Italian firms, especially in Herat, in areas of mutual interest such as the marble and agri- alimentary sectors. The conditions of women and defence of their rights have always been themes of particular concern for Italy, and have been even more pressing in the case of Afghanistan, given the Taliban regime’s terrible discrimination. We have, therefore, sponsored major interventions supporting the emancipation of women and their right to work and develop a professional identity. These have ranged from our Professional Training and Women in Business programmes in Kabul, to the promotion of women-run businesses at the “women’s garden”, also in Kabul, where activities run the gamut from stone-cutting to building photovoltaic lamps. We have also made major contributions in the socio-healthcare sector, with the recent opening of a burn centre at the Esteqlal hospital in Kabul (that treats numerous female victims of acid and flammable liquid attacks) and the launch of an emergency relief programme for vulnerable populations in the provinces of Kabul and Baglan, with a special focus on access to basic maternal and neonatal care. Italy has also funded a UNIFEM programme set up by the Ministry for Women’s Affairs (MoWA) to promote gender equality in the provinces, and experts from our Cooperation’s on-site Social Programme are supplying technical assistance. Wearedlideveloping major iiiinitiat ives poidised to fdforeground thhemes associdiated wihith of women’s rights in the Afghan legal and judiciary system: a) a Masters degree in law at the University of Perugia for young Afghan lawyers (to date, two female prosecutors have participated); b) a joint project with the High Judiciary Council of the Committee on Equal Opportunity in support of Afghan women judges, aimed at fostering true gender equality in the workplace; c) the establishment of a specialised Unit at the General Prosecutors Office to investigate crimes of violence against women and ensure application of the related legislation adopted in 2009 thanks to an Italian Justice Programme contribution; d) support for the newly-constituted Afghan Independent Bar Association (AIBA) through the National Council of the Italian Forensic Order; and e) support for NGOs that provide legal assistance to the society’s weaker segments, women and minors first and foremost. Chief Prosecutor in Herat Maria Bashir, the first Afghan woman to hold a management position in a prosecutor’s office, has become a symbol thanks to Italy’s support - a symbol of the struggle to defend women’s rights and for their emancipation. A final consideration: we must make the best use of communication. The media’s role in the process of Afghan stabilisation cannot be underestimated, not only in terms of the importance of the principle of freedom of expression in the process of democratic consolidation, but also for the contribution that it can make to the nation’s democratic life by becoming a carrier of messages of peace and tolerance. Of crucial importance then is this initiative by the Fondiaria Sai Foundation, which carried out a masters programme in journalism for 15 Afghan women students from Herat University, in collaboration with Milan’s Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, the University of Herat, the Defence Ministry and the PRT. Afghanistan is the shared responsibility and collective commitment of the entire international community. We therefore need to make a coordinated, global effort that, alongside the military component, is able to underpin those civil and economic actions aimed at strengthening institutions, ensuring the protection of fundamental rights, strengthening the rule of law and reforming justice. We have no other choice if we intend to offer Afghanistan and the region the key to a future of sustainable peace and stability. August 2010 n°2
Italy a leader in civil-military cooperation Back to normal
by LTC. Fabrizio Zacché
The “Allied Joint Doctrine” AJP-01(B) defines CIMIC (civil-military cooperation) as “The coordination and cooperation, in support of the mission, between the NATO commander and civil actors, including national population and local authorities, as well as international, national and non-governmental organisations and agencies”.
Once they are familiar with the customs and habits of the country in which they are to operate, the military forces can become involved in supporting the civil environment and promoting the re-establishment of normal living conditions by selectively and temporarily deploying resources allocated for the specific purpose. Such military activities are the responsibility of the civil- military cooperation (CIMIC) operational function. This function has gained significant importance over the last dddecade, partillicularly in thheconduct of criiisis response operations (non- article 5 crisis response operations – non-art. 5 CRO), by adopting a broad, inclusive approach to establish a relationship between the civil and military environments. CIMIC is a key function for use by commanders to fulfil their mission. The resources deployed and operations undertaken within the scope of CIMIC must contribute to the achievement of the desired end- state and be consistent with the assets and capabilities of the armed forces.
The basic purpose of CIMIC is to interact with all the civil actors at the appropriate level within the area of operations in order to accomplish the mission. In the medium and long-term CIMIC activities must promote and sustain conditions that will contribute to the achievement of objectives and the implementation of a strategy to enable the gradual handover of responsibility to local government authorities and the subsequent withdrawal of military forces from the theatre of action. In 2002 the Italian armed forces launched the project to set up a multinational joint force CIMIC command. As the framework nation, Italy is responsible for CIMIC activities within NATO. The project led to the creation of a regimental division called the Multinational CIMIC Group, bdbased in Motta di Livenza (TV). So far, six nations have signed thhe MUMoU (d(memorandum of understanding): Italy (framework nation), Greece, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia and Hungary.
The Multinational CIMIC Group has taken part in all the main out-of-area operations involving the Italian armed forces and is currently deployed to the theatre of operations in Afghanistan and in Lebanon with specific assets. August 2010 n°2
Press conference with Suraya Pakzad
by Shaheen
First of all could you tell us something about yourself and your office activities? “Asallofyouknow,IamthedirectoroftheVoice of Women Organization in Herat. There are about 150 people working in my office the majority are men. There is a lack of skilled women for our key posts and that is why we fill them with men”.
What is the news about the rate of divorce in Afghanistan? “There are several reasons why the divorce rate has increased. The first reason is that women are more aware of their rights and second because some people have a wrong understanding of democracy and abuse the rights they have”.
What have you done for women in general? “Right now we have some committees in the schools to help the girls to be more aware of their rights and to solve their problems”.
Can you give some information about the Shelter and the women who live there? “The shelter, which is a place for homeless women, has the capacity for 42 people. But sometimes this number increases to 53 or more”.
Do you think this shelter can cause some disruption in the families? “Of course not. Because we only accept women who are sent by the Court or Women Affairs Department or women who do not have a place to live after being released from prison”.
What did you do in order to decrease violence against women? “Violence against women is a problem that has changed during this period. We try to inform women about their rights and feel that men should also be informed”. Credits: Alessandro Belgiojoso August 2010 n°2
My experience at the Herat University Stories through images
by Alessandro Belgiojoso
Thanks to the project promoted by Cattolica University of Milan in association with Fondiaria Sai Foundation, I had the privilege of sharing my experience as a photographer with female Afghan students in a photojournalism course at the Herat University. The students had the opportunity to put to use the acquired notions and returned to their everyday life holding a digital camera and - thanks to the fact they were local people - they were able to take a great number of photos which no outsider could have collected. All the acquired material is constant proof that there is no one better than them to describe their world and culture.
This collection of stories is a witness to a culture far removed from our own but by keeping archaic customs alive has preserved its traditions. Ononesidewehavealocalartisanmakingmusical instruments with techniques which were outdated in our middle ages, on the other side we find one creating an unobtainable spare part for a fridge, this can teach us something about our excessive consumerism. Finally you can meet the owner of a Herat television shop who admits they only show images of natural sceneries on the TV screens and avoid news programs because “bad news does not sell TVs”. My suggestion is to look at these stories not just as folklore but as a critical point of view on our developed world. Credits: Alessandro Belgiojoso August 2010 n°2
A timeless craft : the carpet making industry Skills in women’s hands
by Wheeda Ehari
This profession is one of the popular trades in Afghanistan and some people consider it as part of the culture of this country. There are different kinds of handmade carpets in Afghanistan which are very famous in international markets. The most famous carpet design is the Torkmeni that is made with very delicate designs and beautiful colours. The important point about this trade is that even during the war carpetmaking continued to be popular and it is still one of the most valuable trades in the nation. Torkmeni carpets are the art of the hands of Afghan women. They work hard to do this great job. The movements of their hands create these amazing designs and this industry which fills the country with pride. But who knows these women and how they live? In the pictures I took you can see a Torkmen family making carpets at their home. These three women endure all the difficulties they have in their life and continue working. The first pictures are the workshop and the instruments. Then you can see how they make carpets and how they weave the designs with the thread. In the end the carpet is finished and according to the women each one takes three or four months to complete. A typical working day of three women. Tools and phases of weaving carpets.
September n. 3
In this issue:
Interview with Lt. S. Guberti - by the students of the Journalism Course M. Urago - Excellent examples of cooperation
M. Hassan - A new life for Nuryia S. Ahmady - Wool production G. Ghidoni e M. Afzali - Royah Ethical Design
September 2010 n°3
Press conference with Lt. Guberti
What do you do if you find a female criminal? Do you release her or put her in prison? It’s not my job, I don’t arrest anyone, but if I have to do this, I do the same for a man.
As a woman what is your reason for coming to Afghanistan, and what is your job here? I’m a woman but I love my job and I love my country and our task now is to help Afghan people in order to improve development and to help the government. I am here to do my job because I love it.
When did you chose to work in the army? It was a dream for me to work in the army, and when I finished school I was 18 and it was not allowed by the law. Luckily in 2000 it became possible so I joined the army. My family and especially my father is proud because of it.
Have you ever killed a man during your missions? No, I have never killed anybody.
What did you know about Herat and Heratian people before coming to Afghanistan? I knew a lot of things about Afghanistan because I had some Afghan friends from Kabul, they studied with me at the University in Turin.
Do you feel you have lost your femininity working in the army? No, I think that you can have your femininity and join the army. I am in the army but I am married and I have a daughter. I think I can be a good mother even if I am a soldier.
What kind of relationship do you have with Afghan men? I always try to do my best not to hurt anyone’s sensibility that’s why I wear the veil here, even if I don’t use it at home. Every Afghan I met until now has respected me, so I haven’t had any problems. September 2010 n°3
Excellent examples of cooperation 2 hospitals and a center for women
by Marco Urago
The Children’s Hospital, the Regional Hospital and the Women Social Center are important examples of civil-military cooperation in Herat. The 2 health structures, particularly important for the Herat province, have been highly appreciated both by the Afghan authorities and by the population. The social center for women would like to be the first step towards a new understanding of women’s world.
Children’s Hospital Built by the army in 2007, equipped and supported by the Italian cooperation through emergency programs, it is the second children’ s hospital in Afghanistan. The building has 100 beds and the rate of hospitalization is about 90% and often more with patients coming from all of the west region. These patients even come from the city of Mazar el Sharif that is more than a 7 hours journey by car. The structure is supported by the AISPO, an Italian NGO, that has a lot of experience in organizing hospitals in third world countries. Italians doctors and nurses are constantly involved in clinical activities and in training local employees. PRT follows this hospital giving constant support in those cases where some interventions can not be realized with the cooperation funds. I remember a guesthouse being constructed for families that come from far away and the recent construction of anewwell for thhe supplyof water.
Regional Hospital Thanks to the civil and military commitment our hospital has been restructured and supplied with new equipment. Funds from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have enabled the interior reconstruction of 4 wards (Emergency Unit, Radiology, Laboratory and Operating Theatres) and the purchasing of hospital equipment necessary to bring the hospital to European standards. Funds from the Ministry of Defence have been used to construct a new electrical power connection of about 16 km.
Women Social Center The final example is about the construction of the first Social Center for women in Afghanistan. It is a modern construction which is directed by the Department of Women’s Affairs. The aim is to improve the role of woman in Afghan society. The building, reconstructed inside and partially equipped by the PRT, will be sustained by the funds from the Italian Cooperation. It will be the first locus where women will be able to meet, work and sell products of their businesses or NGOs, relax, read books from the library and use internet. I would like to point out that every project has been requested by the pertaining Department and approved by the PDC (Provincial Development Committee), presided by the Governor himself . September 2010 n°3
A new life for Nuriya The import ance of bei ng a poli cewoman
by Massoma Hassan
Nuriya enjoys reading a paper written by herself about the Police Literacy Course in Herat. “I am able to read and write. I am a literate mother for my children and a literate wife for my husband and a literate policewoman for society”. She added, “When I opened for the first time a book and saw some lines that were Alef, Be and Te,they were unknown tomebut now I can read and write thhem easily ”. Education was her great expectation since her childhood, but civil war, society and family restrictions prevented her from going to school. Nuriya never imagined she would be educated after being a mother of six children. Nuriya mentioned that it was like being a blind person who could only see shapes and boards in the streets without understanding them, for example she could not recognize numbers and words. Educati on was a gifift for her that only GdGod could bibring in her life. She explained about one particular day when she had gone to the bazaar during the Taliban Regime. A policeman passed in front of her. She studied him seriously and felt a great emotion in her heart that started to beat quickly. From that moment Nuriya was motivated to become a policewoman and the same day she told her husband what had happened. She was worried in case her husband rejected her dream but fortunately he encouraged her tojointhe police force and to realize her aim and wish. She said: “It was amazing that my husband and family encouraged me to join the police force. I couldn’t wait for that moment”. The next day she joined the police and started her training. She has been working as policewoman in the Ingil District for the last 2 years. She underlined the fact that joining the police force brought her the opportunity of education and she would like to continue studying. She said: “I thank my husband for supporting me to carry out my duty well and I hope to become a good policewoman by helping my people - especially women”. She concluded that joining the police changed her life bringing happiness especially to her social and personal life. She attended the Literacy Course every day for nine months and graduated from the first level. She seems very proud of her achievement showing her certificate with much happiness. It has been the best moment in her life. She said: “Now I feel that I have reached my first aim and will try to reach the final stages in order to be a General in the future”. She has earned respect from her neighbours and she is able to help her children with their homework. September 2010 n°3
Wool production From tdititradition to bibusiness
by Sima Ahmadi
The reportage shows the working conditions in a factory in Herat where they clean and separate sheep wool. There are more than 400 young girls and women, about 600 in all, employed in cleaning the wool. They work in a big basement, in dusty and cramped conditions. Breathing properly is a problem. WlWool iscldleaned inthiswayand is exported to Europe by big traders.
In the Herat region, the wool is processed after cleaning, colours are chosen, and it is made into yarn to produce cloth. The price of cloth has remarkably increased because the price of wool has risen too. The production of cloth is typical in some regions of Afghanistan and now Iran, China, Russia, and Mongolia are cloth producers too. Wool is also produced in some western parts of Afghanistan, and Herat city is the most important wool center in the country - other provinces of Afghanistan like Badghees, Maimana - also produces wool. Sometimes wool has been sold in Farah, Cheghcheran and Kandahar. According to a recent report carried out in our country, 7% of the cloth production is exported worldwide. More than 40 cloth factories are operating in Herat city and 2000 women work in these factories. September 2010 n°3
Royah Ethical Design Afgh an fashi on Itali an st y le
by Masiha Afzali and Gabriella Ghidoni
Royah, the “vision” in Persian, was set up in Kabul in 2005 by a handful of women who wanted to make a difference. Drawing on Afghanistan’s rich cultural history, Royah creates contemporary fashion using Afghan textiles and Italian expertise.
Afghanistan remains, as of now, politically unstable and it is ranked amongst the lowest countries for access to education, security and income. In this scenario, women are a very vulnerable segment of the population. Women are often neglected as political and economical actors, and therefore are confined within their households, given the task to raise their children and to provide housework for the family. Women mostly depend on their husbands or family members for their living, conducting small income generating activities, embroidery or - in the rural areas - some farming and agriculture, trading in the neighborhood with other females. Activities that rarely produce an income over one dollar a day.
The situation has improved over the last few years, particularly in the urban areas. The International Community, the media presence and a strong will by the Afghan community to rebuild its country is representing a chance toabetter life. However so much has still tobe achieved. Under these circumstances, Royah Ethical Design has founded its vision and work and develops the skills of a new generation of Afghan women, by convincing them that education, job security and creativity are necessary steps for producing a positive change in the society and that they play an important role in striving to achieve this change into their lives, their communities and their children’s future. In order to be convincing and competitive and at the same time profitable, it is necessary that thedresscollectionisappealing and of high qqyuality. However employing women who have had no formation skills is, in itself a social project; the products of which are reinvested in these women by teaching them a professional skill and thus enabling them to be economically independent in the future. Masiha: “When Royah started, there were only 3 of us, including the founder Gabriella Ghidoni. I met Gabriella during the ILO ITC WED training program, where I was attending a course for Business Development. Royah over the years developed from a pilot project into a cooperative that is employing today 20 women as seamstresses, embroiderers and managers and it represents an important opportunity for them to learn skills, to have financial security and to progress their status in the society”.
Gabriella: “Being a for profit entity, with no donor funding at the start, we had to rely heavily on sales. At the beginning sales were mostly concentrated in Afghanistan by taking advantage of the numerous fiforeigners in KblKabul. Over theyears,sales were also extended to the European market. Royah produces its own collection by using Afghan textiles in Italian style. Afghanistan has always been an important crossroad between East and West and was famous for its precious silks. Sadly, decades of war dddestroyed the country’sancient embroidery and traditions. One of the main objectives of Royah, is to recover there ancient embroidery patterns and rediscover their preservation”.
Masiha: “At the beginning I was working for the cooperative. I would never have dreamt that now, 5 years later, IamitsProgram Manager. This has changed my life. Every day Iworkwith Afghan and foreign women, I handle the others and the production, and I am in touch with our office in Milan, Arte-fatto Onlus. I attend meetings with counterparts and I have recently started to follow future projects and ideas with Milan. I am very proud of my work and my family is very supportive of my choices. I was able to study, likewise my sister who is now a doctor in Kabul. We don’t neglect the responsibilities in the family, but with my own income I know I can make my choices”. The challenge is now to expand capacities, resources and distribution. Royah must rely on skilled workers although training there women has very high costs (30 years of war and destruction of the social network of the country have destroyed everything) and a series of actions aimed at improving the cooperative.
For this we have been granted a donation by the Regione Lombardia and the Arte-fatto Onlus, to train an additional 30 women as seamstresses and embroiderers and to promote the Royah brand on the fashion market. This will allow further opportunities for Royah and the women who take part in this initiative.
Credits: Marco Valerio Esposito
October n. 4
In this issue: Women’s Social Centre - by the editorial staff of WOMEN to be Shanin - The Rebab
M. Hamilton - Afghan Women’s Writing Project
F. K h o r s a n d - Bano Production M. Salimi - The art of recycling
October 2010 n°4
Women’s Social Centre
A special social service for women - The Women’s Social Centre – has recently been opened in Herat. In this centre women can carry out minor entrepreneur activities; take part in professional training courses and follow social development programmes. Leisure and recreational activities are also available. The complex, which is financed by the Ministry of Defence and realized by the Italian Provincial Reconstruction Team in Heart, has 36 shops, a leisure area with gym equipment, a meeting room and a consultory. All the furnishings have been supplied by the Italian Cooperation. This centre is the only reality of its kind in Herat and has been set up for women with economical and psychological problems due to domestic violence. This all-female project was developed by Oriana Papais, architect and Reserves Captain, from the PRT women’s affairs team led by Lieutenant Silvia Guberti and Second Lieutenant psychologist Samantha Barna. As well as the highest institutional representatives of Herat the following dignitaries were present at the opening ceremony, Suraya Pakzad, the General Proxy Maria Bashir, and the head of the Women’s Affairs Manija Sadeq. As Colonel Aresu pointed out in his speech, once again the commitment of the PRT Italian women has «distinguished itself» in favour of the women in Herat. They have realized a completely new conceptional structure of its kind. October 2010 n°4
The Rebab Uses and dreams through music
by Shanin
Music is one of the most cultural expressions of a country. It transmits the history and soul of an entire population. The uses, customs, dreams and nightmares of a country are passed down from one generation to another through music. The Rebab instrument is used to accompany the traditional Afghan songs: it is a string instrument, nowadays the base of classical Arabic music such as Persian, Indian and the Mashreq and Maghreb countries.
This instrument originated in the VIII Century in Afghanistan and is considered to be the forefather of the violin.
Artisans make the Rebab from very hard wood which comes from a fruit tree. The case and handle are the main parts.
Every Rebab is made up of different parts such as the cords, the keys and the bow. Traditionally the Rebab has only 3 or - at the most - 4 cords, but this version has actually 18 cords.
According to legend, one of the Afghan princes wanted the instrument to have 18 cords in order to be louder and hence more powerful. The making of a Rebab - a local musical instrument. October 2010 n°4
Bano Production Mrs. AhAhdi’madi’s jam
by Fariha Khorsand
My pictures are about the Jam Factory which is called Bano. This food processing factory is run by a woman called Maryam Ahmadi in Herat. She set-up the factory 5 years ago and she has managed to increase production so much that now there are 15 agencies in other districts of the HtHerat PiProvince.
The workers who are mostly women are very happy and thanks to their salary they can now help and support their families with the proceeds they earn from making food products.
As we can see from the pictures, they have very simple facilities in the factory, but Afghan women are abletodomiliracles wihith even thhese silimple fac ilit ies.
October 2010 n°4
The art of recycling Local factotum artisans
by Mojhgan Salimi
It is not easy to find spare-parts in Afghanistan. Sewing machines, work instruments, garden tools.What can be done?
It is not easy to find “official” spare-parts. They do not come from authorised dealers or official retailers but from the black market where the material comes from various shady underground routes in order to avoid the war check-points and the robbers’ greed. It’s impossible to ask salesmen for a guarantee, many people can not even afford to buy new goods.
There is no choice but to trust the local factotum artisans who can create the missing pieces with the help of their rudimental tools and a good dose of genius.
There artisans make the spare-parts by melting leftover recycled metal; by mixing soil and water they make clay for the metal frames which are needed to forge the metal.
This is one of the most ancient crafts in history which has always been adapted in times of need. By using skill and imagination it is possible to fix, reassemble and adjust every kind of broken object and bring it back to life. Local artisans forging, reassembling and adjusting broken objects with rudimentary tools. October 2010 n°4
Afgh an Women’ s Wri ti ng P roj ect A blog for women’s voices
by Masha Hamilton
I first visited Afghanistan in 2004. The U.S. Embassy urged caution, but I felt safe. I visited the opium poppy fields south of Kandahar, the border city of Jallalabad, the province of Wardak, and wandered around Kabul. I interviewed women in prison in Kabul and Kandahar, a child bride steps from a playground to which she longed to return, a war widow living in rubble, the smiling, elder lymatrihiarch of an opium-growing filfamily. I practiced shiatsu on a group of women who had walked for hours to see a doctor. The stories I heard spilled one over the other; each night I transcribed my notes until the electricity failed, so that the next day I could take in more. It was a trip that left me by turns horrified by what these Afghans had endured, and exhilarated by the strength, grace and humor with which they had survived. When I returned to Afg han istan in NbNovember 2008, I fdfound a country more dangerous for Afghans and outsiders alike, a country where women’s optimism had been replaced by strong undercurrents of trepidation, unable to go to school or work, forbidden to speak, unable to tell even their own stories. I had a kitchen-table idea: in order to give at least some of them the ability to tell their stories, I would teach a free online class to them for ten weeks or so. But it took only one class for me to understand that their interest and desire would outstrip my ability tomeetit.SoinMay 2009, the Afghan Women’s Writing Project was founded, and grew quickly from me at my laptop to three secure online classrooms taught by rotating published novelists and poets, memoirists, screenwriters and journalists around the country, with an entire volunteer and generous support team full of their own ideas about how to grow the project, plus financial donations that have contributed to laptops for our writers and will eventually help create Afghanistan’s first women-only Internet cafe. The women who joined us revealed what it is like to be an Afghan woman. A few of the women’s voices are below, and there are many more pieces on our website. As many times as I’ve read them, I remain moved and illuminated by these essays and poems. We offer them in hopes that you, too, will bemoved,and will reach out to comment, and that thhese stories will connect us, American to Afghan, and broaden our understanding of our complex relationship with Afghanistan and its compelling people.
“In the rainy season of Pakistan, the news of my grandmother’s death made our lives rainier. This season showed me my father’s tears for the first time”. (Meena)
“Let me cry, my dear friends. Life is more complicated than we thought”. (Elay)
“She laughed very loud and said: No, you’re not a loser. You’re the best. You just have to kill silence… You have to grab your rights”. (Shogofa)
“Who asks about my identity? I am lost on the pages of history books. Look at my tired face, and the dried tears in my eyes. My first name is Afghan woman. My last name is Suffer”. (Roya)
Quotations from the bloggg Afghan Women’s Writing Proj ect - www.awwppjroject.or g Photos from: www.mashahamilton.com
November n. 5
In this issue: K. Figini - Run for Women D. Gianmaria - It’s never too late
S. Mohammadi - My desire: to be a journalist
S. Mohammadi - Afghan TV
M. Hosseini - From Badghis to Herat
November 2010 n°5
Run for Women
by Katia Figini
In a month I have completed 2 of the 5 stages of my Run For Women project. I have run hundreds of kilometres across 5 deserts in 5 continents to spotlight the violence against women.
This extremely hard task is my way of showing that it is possible to carry out even the most impossible things. Just like all the women who are fighting to defend and support their own rights. Just like the women in Afghanistan who are try to make themselves heard and to cast a light on their situation and everyday problems.
The thing that we have in common is in fact “WOMEN to be”. This is not only the name of the magazine but it is also a way of being. It means strength, courage and trust and a better world for women.
I hope to beable torunasymblibolicracefor all those women who are using their courage and strength to fight for their own rights in order to live in freedom. It would be a great honour for me to run in Afghanistan one day. November 2010 n°5
It’s never too late Afghan Educational TV
by Duilio Giammaria
In Afghanistan the radio is still the most common way of communication. Italy understood it and this is the reason why we decided to promote and support the ERTV (Afghan Educational TV) project. This project aims to spread news to Afghanistan by giving away a small solar and dynamo battery powered radio.
The goal of ERTV is “to use technology to inform and educate the Afghan public and its children on the rights and responsibilities of citizens in a democracy, and to equip them with the intellectual tools – literacy, awareness of scientific, cultural and technical developments – that will enable them to play their rightful role in rebuilding Afghan society”.
After the fall of the Taliban regime the building hosting ERTV was unfit for use because of their attacks. The Italian Cooperation decided to rebuild it. In the meanwhile people attended training courses to become directors, technicians, teachers. In 5 years theERTVcamebacktolife. Nowadays for 7 million students this radio is the only possibility to be educated.
November 2010 n°5
My desire: to be a journalist
by Saghar Mohammadi
I was born in the early 90’s in a refugee family during the final years of the Soviet Union incursion in Afghanistan when the majority of Afghans had to leave their beloved Land and immigrate to neighbouring countries. My mother named me “Saghar” which means goblet: a cup full of joy and happiness. Our mother says we (my twin sister and I) are her endless cup of joy, luck and happiness. I was bhtbrought up and edtdducated abdbroad as an iiimmigran t. In those days theonlly viiision I hdhad abtbout my country were the stories and photos my family showed me about the peaceful days they had had in our home in Afghanistan and the bad days they faced after the Soviet Union invasion like the bombardments and the continuous raids and attacks which forced us all to abandon our houses. After the victory of the Mujahedin and the withdrawal of the Soviet Army, my family felt it was time to return home. Unfortunately our peaceful days didn’t last more than a couple of years when we were forced to immigrate once again. This time not because of foreignarmy raids but because of the Islamic extremists uprising from inside the country - the Taliban. This regime believes there is no place for women in the community except indoors, in their own homes, basements and kitchens. They cannot tolerate the idea of women being educated or even being seen in public. The Taliban interpreted the Holy Islamic laws and regulations to suit themselves. This time we did not only immigrate to save our own lives and religion but also to give my sister and myself the opportunity to be educated and raised in a peaceful environment with no more sleepless nights. After 9/11 attacks we returned to Afghanistan to continue our edtiducation. DiDuring schlhool we were often askdked to writestitories abtbout our wiihshes and goals for the future and since then I have always written about my desire to be a journalist so as to able to tell the story of my people to the world and at the same time let my people know that the Taliban doctrines about women are completely against Islam, liberty and human nature. As well as informing them what is happening around the world and how we can take advantage of the international experience to recuperate new structures on damaged houses and mend thousands of broken hearts. In 2005 when I graduated from high school, I chose the journalism course at the Herat University and in 2006 I enrolled in the Journalism Dept of Literacy Faculty in Herat University and I am now in the third year. To implement my earnings from the Faculty and parallel to my education, I have been working in a local radio station as an announcer and correspondent since 2009. However it is still unusual and rarely acceptable in my city (Herat) for a woman to work in a local radio station but I want to overcome this problem and be able to achieve my future desires. November 2010 n°5
From Badghis to Herat A 80 year old migrant worker
by Mahnaz Hosseini
This is the life story of an old man from the Province of Badghis. This man came to Herat to find a job because of the poverty of his Region. He works as a factotum in the Department of Finance. He starts his day very early in the morning by doing some gardening and feeding the animals.After a very frugal breakfast he starts to clean the offices. He prays during his lunch break after he has had a small snack. His afternoon is taken up with various activities; delivering the post, collecting stationery for the various offices, making tea and coffee for the employees of the Department. This man, who is about 80 years old, does all these thing for his family and although his financial situation is not too good he is never disappointed. He is very optimistic for the future. His hopes lie in the new generation and he is convinced that they will grow up in a better world also thanks to his efforts. November 2010 n°5
Afghan TV Not just soap operas
by Saghar Mohammadi
Nowadays, television is a regular guest in most Afghan homes especially in major cities like Herat. However it is in the countryside, especially the areas where the Taliban are strongest, that the right to have access to television has been denied. Due to the lack of electricity, coverage and infrastructure, and the Islamic integralists ban on watching TV. DiDuring the Ta liban regime theveryactof bibuying, selling or even owning a TV set at home, was banned. Often the people kept a TV set in their cellar and secretly watched it behind thick curtains so the light and the noise of the TV set would not attract attention. Nowadays there are television stores in every cities where even the latest plasma models can be found. TV screens have appeared not only in private homes but also in hotels, shops, restaurants, places of work and even in cars. After the fllfall of the Ta liban, many prodiduction companies have been set up so that now there are over 30 TV channels both local and national, private and public, hundreds of which are accessible via satellite. Even though the Afghan networks are faced with problems and obstacles not only from the Taliban but also by other groups of revolutionaries, from warlords and even some members of the government. Under these circumstances the Afghan TV producers have to contemplate how they can overcome these problems and at the same time invent programmes which will attract the local public. A population who have suffered too much and continue to suffer the consequences of the war: the prejudices and the violence. The population need to evade reality through TV soap operas and the very popular Indian films which are advertised on all the street hoardings in Herat. However these people also want to learn and discover what is happening elsewhere as Mr. Ehrari - director of a new TV station in Herat - says «In the past the Afghans only wanted to watch musicals, soap operas and films; nowadays their tastes have changed, the people want to watch scientific programmes, they want to know the latest news in Afghanistan and in the rest of the world». News that shows the terrible war which is devastating our country. Even though everyone hopes that one day they will be able to switch on their TV sets and not hear about any more attacks or see violent scenes on the TV news; their dream is finally to be able to live in peace in a prosperous country.
TV has become part of everyday life in Herat.
December n. 6
In this issue: Col. A. Inturri - The emancipation of Afghan women F. A h m a d - Silk production
M. Hassan - What the Afghan Women Network can teach - Rahima: I am strong now - Burn victims back to life
December 2010 n°6
The emancipation of Afghan women
by Col. A. (mon. ) t. ISSMI Antonino Inturri
Since the beginning of the Taliban regime, in 1996, the women’s world knew the darkest period ever. Woman means dishonour. Woman is an inferior being who has to disappear under a burqa.Woman is just an er exhange goods. They have no rights, they are obliged to stay at home and the majority are victims of violence. The desperation and the will to change drive them to self-immulation. The only way to stop this physical and psychological pain is to burn themselves. The latest statistics say there are 8 cases every month of self-immulation just in the Herat Province. Half of these end in death. If a woman decides to leave her home because of domestic violence she will be sent to jail for 6 months. If she tries to defend herself by reacting this sentence will be extended to 16 years. Despite this situation signals of change are visible. Women are going back to school even to Universities. They now occupy important positions in the local Governance. Things are changing even in jail. This structure, recently built by the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT), is well organized. The women’s wing has a kindergarten, an ambulatory and a sports ground. There they learn to read and to write. They also have the possibility to learn a trade like dressmaking and carpet weaving. They can continue this profession after they have left jail. They earn 60% of the sales of their products, the remaining 40% is for the jail expenses. Women are trying to be self-sufficient and economically independent. There are a lot of projects for women and PRT plays a very important role. In fact through its Female Engagement Team (FET) it is constantly in touch with the local Governance, the NGO and local business women. Inside the Women’s Social Centre, set up in the city of Herat, there are a lot of services for women. Not only shops but also a consultory where they can have free legal advice. This is just a first step towards a better condition for Afghan women. If we all collaborate we can reconstruct this beautiful country together where women are the real core of the new Afghanistan.
FlFemale Engagemen t Team - PRT XIV: Ten. a. (mon.) sp RN Francesca Giard ulli , 1° Cap. Magg. VFB Caterina De Marinis, 1° Cap. Magg. VFB Maria Di Fonzo, Cap. Magg. VFP4 Valentina Cappellari. December 2010 n°6
Silk production A family affair
by Fawzia Ahmad
The Silkworm processing is considered one of the most important profitable industries in the world. For this reason nowadays it is very strategic for the city of Herat. The whole process involves several phases, each of which takes time and needs a lot of professional skills.
Mrs. Tmassoki, one of the activist women in Herat, is the director of the Silk Growing Company. She has been in this field for a long time and she has the know-how. In fact her family has a very long experience in this sector.
“Silkworm processing – she said – arrived in Afghanistan about forty years ago from China. Twenty years ago this trade was very popular but unfortunately due to long periods of war, drought and economic crises this business has come to a standstill. Today a lot of people have started up this profession again”.
There are many women and girls who work for Mrs. Tmassoki. They make clothing from the silk they produce. This trade is very popular in the districts of Herat such as Ghoryan, Guzara, and Koshk.
Fifty year old Mrs. Tmassoki lost her husband ten years ago. Since then her business has allowed her to provide for all her family. She works all day long and she even continues working at home. Her children are also involved in her company. Different phases of silk production in the Silk Growing company. December 2010 n°6
What Afghan Women Network can teach Workshops even for children
by Massoma Hassan
Eleven year old Fariba was rescued in the Herat Burn Hospital after being deeply burnt. She burnt her body because of mental problems last year. “I still remember those days in the hospital. I opened my eyes while feeling pain in my body. I saw my parents beside me and looked at them even though I could not speak” - said Fariba. She was in the first grade at school when it happened consequently her face has completely changed.
“After getting my health back I looked at myself in the mirror. My heart beat fast and I saw an ugly and fearful face in the mirror. It was mine” - she added. She had lost her self esteem and could not face up to the new situation. The first day of school after her recovery was very difficult because her friends did not accept her very well. She was very depressed and did not want to go to school anymore. “I felt that my life was over until I found a light in my life”, she said. She found the Afghan Women Network which works to support burnt women.
“This was the first time I met such kind people like the Network personnel and the teachers. I found a little hope in my heart”. Fariba entered AWN and started her education once again. “I found new friends and we exchanged our ideas in the class after lessons”. She mentioned that since entering the Network she has discovered that there is no difference between herself and other people. She did not have to be isolated anymore. She found her self esteem and studied hard. She became the first in her class in the AWN. Now Fariba is not afraid of anyone and speaks with self confidence. She loves drawing and draws everything she has learnt about in her lessons. Hassina Nikzad - head of the Herat Afghan Women Network - mentioned that Fariba is extremelytaldlented in drawing and can draw everything. She will become a good artist if shecan continue professionally. Although Fariba is the youngest girl among the burnt women the others treat her as a normal student. “I wish – she said - to teach other burnt children in the future and become a qualified teacher.” Fariba’s parents are happy and hopeful for their daughter’s future. They are very grateful to AWN for supporting her and helping her for her future. Fariba now is a happy student and has a lot of projects for the future. December 2010 n°6
Rahima: I am strong now Dressmaking to improve my children’s life
by Massoma Hassan
This is the happy family of 26 year old Rahima who lives in the Chahar Su Area of Herat. She survived after self immulation at the age of 11 because of a forced marriage. Rahima’s father owed his friend a lot of money which he was unable to pay so in place of money he gave away his daughter. Rahima’s husband was 80 years old and she was a child with no idea of bibeingawife. Thesiiituation drove her tosuiidicide, lkilluckily thhe Herat Burn HilHospital saved her life. Now she is satisfied with her new life and seems hopeful for a bright future. She divorced and married again. She mentioned that she attended professional courses organized by the Herat Afghan Women Network which completely changed her life. She was informed about the Network by another woman. “I can read and write after attending an eight month Literacy Course and I am now able to identify international numbers and use a cell phone”, said Rahima.
She is now a seamstress and earns money like other dressmakers. There is no difference between her and other women. She is a mother of 4 children and sustains them by dressmaking. She looks like a normal woman and her face does not show any grief or pain. She is optimistic for a bright future for her family and her old husband. “Afghan Women Network rescued me and gave me hope. Now I do not feel ashamed of myself”, said this young lady. Rahima has 3 sons called Gole Aqa, Jan Aqa and Homayun and a daughter called Maryam. She was proud to underline that Gole Aqa is studying in the third grade and Maryam goes to kindergarten. December 2010 n°6
Burnt victims back to life
by Massoma Hassan
The Herat Burn Hospital takes care of the women who burn themselves as a reaction against physical and moral constraint. This tragic situation is due to poverty, illiteracy, family struggles, forced and combined marriages and violence. The Hospital is a modern building with 35 beds situated in the west zone.
Dr. Aqa Jalali - head of the Burn Hospital - mentioned that recently 2 patients have died and 6 patients are still under treatment. Dr. Jalali is also sustained by some female organizations such as: Women Affairs Center, Voice of Women and Afghan Women Network. These organizations provide medicine, food and other necessities. Hassina Nikzad - head of the Herat Afghan Women Network - explained the importance of standing by these women after they leave the hospital. “We give them the possibility to attend literacy and professional courses such as dressmaking, cookery and handicrafts. There are also workshops to help them become good housewives. Occasionally we support them also economically by giving food, clothes and professional materials”, said Mrs. Nikzad.
The main aim of the Afghan Women Network is to allow these women to return to a better daily life but at the same time being more aware of their rights. “We had cases of women – she added – who isolated themselves from their families and the community but after coming to our association and seeing other burnt women they became more self-confident. In the future workshops about human rights will be held in the villages and districts and men will also be invited to participate”. Last year there were around 100 self immulation cases in the west zone, in the current year around 55. This is an important result because finally there has been a decrease of self immulation victims.
January n. 7
In this issue: S. Ris i - The Cesv i organ izat ion M. Hassan - Karate turned Nahid into a heroine
B. Mikovilovich - My third time in Afghanistan Vidia - Grandmother and grandchild
A. Aslami - The saffron industry January 2011 n°7
The Cesvi organization
by Silvia Risi
Raselah was 24 years old when she decided to apply for a place in our workshop for women in Herat. Raselah (a fictitious name) got married when she was 12 years old to a much older man and she had 8 children. She was often left alone when her husband – a drug addict - made frequent trips to Kandahar to procure opium. She didn’t have any support from her family and was compllletely ilisolate din a country still too hilhostile to women.
Raselah attended one of our training courses and she learnt the art of embroidery. This course represented a great opportunity and gave her hope for her future. The Cesvi organization has been dealing with extremely vulnerable individuals in Herat Province for years. Herat is one of the richest cities in Afghanistan but its population still has a lot of social-economical problems and women live on the fringes of society. Here there is the highest rate of self-immulation a last and desperate act to escape from such a sad existence. In 2011 Cesvi will continue to support women like Raselah by creating small social commercial ventures or businesses to enable them to have the chance to earn a small income for themselves. Furthermore Literacy skills and Business and Marketing courses will allow these women to develop more sustainable and independent economic activities. The Cesvi organization is well informed of the difficulties of this project because in Afghanistan the right to work for a woman is often just theoretical. We are very much aware that although their past cannot be cancelled they deserve a better future.
January 2011 n°7
Karate turned Nahid into a heroine Female sport
by Massoma Hassan
“One, two, three” this is Nahid’s voice. 23 year old Nahid Piruz teaches karate to women in the Aryan club in Herat. She is head of the female sports unit in Herat and she is a heroine in karate. “I have always wanted to form a karate team for girls” she said. Nahid was born in Tehran (Iran) and from an early age showed an interest in sports. “My uncle was an expert in karate and I attended some of his competitions, this encouraged me to follow him in sport”, added Nahid. Nahid joined a karate class at the age of 10 and demonstrated how good she was by passing various stages of karate. She continued to excel and won silver and bronze medals in several tournaments and competitions in Iran. She was very good at school too. She trained at home and her family have always stood by and supported her even when the neighbours complained she was making too much noise. Nahid was the head girl at high school and top sportswoman.When she returned to Afghanistan, 4 years ago, she wanted to serve her country and since then she has done many things in Herat. She started working as head of the Female Sports Unit and also set up the Herat Karate Team. She hopes to start sports tournaments and competitions so she and her students can compete. Nahid is an example of a very talented Afghan girl who is trying to prove how good she is. She has a black belt in karate and has trained over 35 students in this discipline – her technique is brilliant. Since she returned to Afghanistan, Herat sports have developed more and the numbers of participants have steadily increased. Although the lack of female clubs and equipment are still the main challenges in female sports. She is hoping that families will allow their daughters to practise sports because although female sports are now accepted in Herat many families still impose limitations. Nahid is aware of health benefits through sport. She hopes to become a national karate coach in the future and train Afghan girls.
Lala is one of Nahid’s students, she enjoys karate and is grateful to her coach for showing her that sport can teach many things and develop her abilities; in fact Nahid is a heroine for Herat girls and women not only for sport but also in behaviour and self-esteem. There are now 2 karate clubs - 1 in Herat City and another one in Jibrail in the Ingil district - most of the members are students. There are also 9 active female sports clubs in Herat: bodybuilding, karate, wusho, kung fu and smaller clubs for volleyball and basketball in schools. January 2011 n°7
Myyg third time in Afghanistan
by cap. Beatrice Micovilovich
My third mission in Afghanistan finished in April 2010. I was stationed in the Herat PRT where I had the privilege of seeing the final results of many projects I had previously only seen in plans. In fact 64 macro-projects had been completed in 2009 and further investments have been planned for the future especially in agriculture, government security, education, social development and welfare.
I also had the opportunity of working with 3 special women: Suraya Pakzad - executive director of Voice of Women, Maria Bashir - chief of the Attorney Department and Manizha Sadiq - head of the DttDepartment of W’Women’s Affa ires. These women are very cultured and are extremely courageous, they all have an overwhelming energy and enthusiasm. They are doing important projects for women in their country.
One of the greatest experiences inmylife was bibeing able to contribute to the Italian Army with my own personal professional experience. The Italian Army is constantly involved in international operations in all the main crisis zones.
January 2011 n°7
Grandmother and grandchild A typi cal day
by Vidia
These photos show a typical day in the life of a widow doing her daily chores such as housework, cooking, doing the shopping and looking after her grandchild. The mother of the little girl died during the war and the other men in the family are out working all day. January 2011 n°7
The saffron industry 80% of the production is done by women
by Asma Aslami
Women’s skills in the workfield is one of the most international controversial issues. But as a matter of fact, Afghan women have played an important role in the saffron industry, in fact 80% of the work is done by women. According to the World Bank studies, 68% of farm labourers receive very low wages, certainly not enough to meet their needs. These photos show the various steps of the cultivation, gathering and dehumidifying process of saffron.
FbFebruary n. 8
In this issue: G. Ligresti - Open letter Sima - Where there’s a will there’s a way
Nasima - The Herat University Radio Station
Storai - A blacksmith’s shop M. Vergani - Back to Herat
February 2011 n°8
Letter of the President of the Fondiaria Sai Foundation Giu lia Ligres ti
On 25th February I was very honoured to be present at the opening cerimony of the WOMEN to be Photo Exhibition in Herat.
Theexhibition representsanittimportant result for us thank s toall the specilial people ildinvolved. The “Women Journalists” project was set up only in June 2010 but in such a short period many goals have already been achieved: the on-line magazine WOMEN to be and the Photo Exhibition. The photos on show were taken by the female students of our journalism course.
I must point out how special these female students are. When I first met them last year I was very idimpressed and I was ilinstantlymoved by thhieir deep eyes. The diidecision to support a project involving women was initially inspired by this exchange of glances.
In these months reading our magazine I discovered another face of this beautiful country. These new reporters have started to show us the beginning of changes and the re-birth of this important country. The Foundation realized a virtual tour of the exhibition for those who were unable to participate. Enjoy the visit on our web-site: www.fdfondazionef fdondiariasai.it.
This was my second stay in Herat but I am sure it will not be the last. Afghanistan is so fascinating and I feel part of this reality because it has been extremely easy for me to get to know Afghan people and their culture. At the moment our Foundation has two projects underway and the results are so positive and stimulating that I feel confident there will be more initiatives in the near future.
My special thanks go to all the people who have made this possible. I will always be extremely grateful to the members of PRT and CIMIC who have supported me both in the past and in my last visit. I would also like to thank the Dean of Herat University, the wonderful students of our Journalism course and Marco Lombardi with all his staff. I am deeply convinced that cooperation is the key to building a better future for everyone: a future tobe. February 2011 n°8
Where there’ s a will there’s a way A disabled artist
by Sima
I have chosen to write about an art exhibition because a part of it is dedicated to people with disabilities. In particular I would like to tell the story of an artist who has been disabled since he was 18 years old. He cannot use his hands and feet despite this he has learnt to paint by using his mouth. In this reportage you can see some of his biflbeautiful worksand hiswayof paiiinting. You can see the moment when he starts, his partner helping him to paint and the techniques he adopts. A lot of people appreciate his art. In the last room of the exhibition there are more works painted by local people. A lot of Afghans love to paint and to participate in exhibitions, this fact proves a general interest for art in Afghanistan.
February 2011 n°8
The Herat University Radio Station How to set up a program
by Nasima
In our University - the University of Herat - we have a radio station available for those who are studying journalism. In fact all the people in my reportage are students.
The pictures show how a radio program is set up and how the young students select the social issues to be discussed. The first step is to talk about the daily topic of the program. The anchormen share ideas about it and decide the program schedule. Finally they are ready to start. They enter in a special soundproof room from where the program is transmitted. The speakers talk about different topics and exchange opinions. From their debate usually an animated discussion takes place.
As you can see in one of the pictures there is a discussion underway. My last photo shows the anchormen leaving the building after the end of the transmission. Behind the scenes of a radio trasmission. February 2011 n°8
A blacksmith’s shop MthdMethods and tool s from the past
by Storai
The pictures of the reportage show a blacksmith working with old material and machinery. This old man is working with his children who will one day be the owners of his activity. They are learning this ancient trade in order to continue their father’s work. In the workshop there is an ancient machinery to make iron utensils. These traditional methods and toolsarestill inusetoday inthe Afg han idindustry.
February 2011 n°8
Back to Herat
by Matteo Vergani
December 2010. Back to Afghanistan, amongst the students of Herat University. Once again their reasons for choosing such a dangerous profession can be seen through their curious and astute glances. Being a journalist in Afghanistan is extremely risky especially for women.
The second Workshop in Journalism was held by the Cattolica University of Milan - supported by the Fondiaria Sai Foundation - between December 3rd and 13th at the University of Herat. This Workshop focused on theories and techniques of visual and audiovisual reportage. The students learnt how it is possible to tell a story through images. They showed enthusiasm and great interest. They really want to present a different side of Afghanistan through their eyes.
A daily life in which there is not only poverty and war but also cultural richness and social relations. These values hopefully will help to change the country towards a peaceful future.
During the workshop the students chose subjects like: the cultivation of saffron, the role of the media, the health system and the women’s conditions. These stories represent a vibrant and dynamic country in which people can express their dignity. This is the Afghanistan seen through women’s eyes. Credits: Alessandro Belgiojoso
March n. 9
In this issue:
8 March in Herat - by the ed itorial staff of WOMEN to be S. Attaee e R. Zia - Sport: a real victory for women Mohnaz, Mozghan e Hasina - Personal care beside poverty
N. Hamdard - The media in Herat Mich ell e Obama prem ia Mari a Bas hir - by the edi tor ia l sta ff of WOMEN to be
March 2011 n°9
March 8th in Herat
On March 8th for Ladies Day, 1000 Afghan women took part in a ceremony at the Jalaludin Conference Hall of Herat. An extraordinary event which gives hope to the women of this country for today and tomorrow. Many messages of encouragement arrived from Afghan authorities, PRT and the Italian Cooperation.
The success of the demonstration was due to the participation of women from the remote villages of the Herat Province. Women with or without burqas accompanied by their children met there to be together, to talk and to exchange opinions. Facing such issues publicly like discrimination, violence and social isolation is a real conquest.
The day contidinued wihith the iiinauguration of thheactiiiivities of thhe W’Women’s SilSocial Center, a complex realized by the PRT and furnished by the Italian Cooperation. The aim of the Center - an example of collaboration between local Institutions, Italian Ministry of Defence and Foreign Affairs – is to improve the conditions of women’s lives in the Herat Province. A meeting place full of activities - gym, consultories, conference halls, internet points - and shopping areas to launch women’s enterprises. March 2011 n°9
Sport: a real victory for women Marcial arts in Herat
by Sakhi Attaee and Rooz Zia
This reportage is about a gymnasium where Afghan women practice Karate, Wisho, Taekwondo, Full Contact and other martial arts. Many people may think that these activities are only for men, especially in such a country. However they are indeed very popular in Afghanistan particularly among young women. MiMarzia Khawari isthe coach of the gymnasium. She isonly 17 years old and she has been coaching Full Contact for 2 years. She has already won several medals in competitions both in Afghanistan and Iran. According to Marzia, the young girls who train in her gymnasium are very lucky as it is not a general rule for women to practice sport. It must be considered that Afghan society is still very traditional and that their values are very different from the western world in fact even practicing sport here is a real victory for women. Young girls training in a gymnasium in Herat. March 2011 n°9
Personal care beside poverty The hardship of a large family
by Mohnaz, Mozghan and Hasina
Poverty, lack of food and insufficient knowledge of the basic rules of hygiene are the cause of the main illnesses in Afghanistan. Undernourishment and the consequent health problems are due to the total absence of primary goods and the conditions of poverty in which the population live. However most families are now beginning to observe the basic rules of cleanliness both in their homes and in their personal hygiene.
This reportage demonstrates this upsetting reality. The photos show a family in Herat who are trying to lead a dignified life despite their hardships. This family come from one of the poorest and distant villages in the province. Nowadays they try to survive on their small family “business” – a shop which is also their home. An activity which is not sufficient to maintain 10 people: parents and 8 children (7 daughters and 1 son).
The mother said that she pays special attention to the health of her family. In fact she pointed out that for cooking, drinking and washing she only uses uncontaminated water from a well which is protected from dirt and dust by a slab of cement. The daily routine of a mother and her children. March 2011 n°9
The media in Herat Radio and tv a mirror on society
by Nasima Hamdard
Statistically speaking it can be said that here in Afghanistan – as in the rest of the world – the radio and TV programs cover various topics such as science, politics, entertainment etc… the most important stations are State owned. All the programs on National radio and TV deal with governmental projects, official news and press reviews. All the positive aspects and points of view of Afghan politics are always transmitted by this channel.
Asia TV is a completely new local TV station, although only recently started broadcasting it is already popular in Herat because of the wide variety of topics transmitted.
Radio Baran is a very well known local radio broadcasting mainly educational and entertainment programs.
Radio Faryad has an important social purpose because it reveals – through real stories – the people’s sufferance and problems. In fact “Faryad” means “to scream”.
Radio Khalid is always on air 24 hours a day. Like Radio Faryad its purpose is to express the opinions of the population.
Radio Sahar takes its name from a typical Afghan girl’s name and its aim is to give voice to the world of women. The speakers and journalists are all women and most of the programs allow them to express their opinions about the part women play in Afghan society and their consequent role in the local communities.
Radio Zohal has scientific and entertainment programs, it rarely covers political issues. Herat has a media system like every other city in the world. A live radio program. March 2011 n°9
Women of Courage Award 2011
Maria Bashir, Afghan Prosecutor of Herat, received the Women of Courage Awards 2011. Every year the U.S. State Department gives special awards to 10 women for the important role they have played in promoting positive changes in their countries.
The U.S. First Lady - Michelle Obama - said: “Maria needs our support and she needs to have her own country understand how important the work she is doing is for them. For defending those who have no legal voice, fighting corruption, and bringing hope to women survivors of violence, disfigurement, and child marriage. If we women do not accept risks and work, no changes will happen”.
This award underlines how important Mrs. Bashir’s work is for Afghanistan. She has always persevered despite many difficulties.
* The photos of the ceremony - March 8th 2011 Washington D.C. - are taken from: www.daylife.com
April n. 10
In this issue: M. Lombardi - Open letter C. Parodi - Afghanistan: a hard country for women F. K h o r s a n d - Fariha’s commitment
A. F. Rizzoli - Heroic girls
O. Honib, S. Mohammadi, S. Ansoory - Violence against women
April 2011 n°10
Letter of Marco Lombardi
A photo exhibition at the University of Herat: not a very common event under the circumstances, especially when the protagonists are women. Last February 2010 the success of the 1st year of the Women Journalists project was celebrated. 20 young students learnt how to use a digital camera thanks to the journalism course held by the Cattolica University and the Fondiaria Sai Foundation.
The aim of the course was to enable these young Afghans to reveal their country by showing us all the various shades of their lives which are so different from our own. We can weigh up the situation from our first involvement. At the start of our mission we expected the conditions to be extremely hard but thanks to the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) they turned out to be less difficult than we had imagined.
There now remains a fully equipped photographic exhibition at the Journalism Department of the University, including brand new technical instruments for the realization and projection of video reportage. From the training courses we found young people who had been trained by our colleagues in Herat. The students have already been put to test by the media. We worked alongside these young people and taught them how to use tools and instruments in order to understand western ways, know-how and how to send out high quality reports. It is always surprising what young people can come up with when they are given the chance to demonstrate their abilities.
Considering the excellent results achieved we have great expectations for the near future. This year our goal is to lead them to an authentic profession because today they have the proper skills to do so. In order to realize this we are also planning workshops at the Cattolica University and stages in some important newspapers in Italy. April 2011 n°10
Afghanistan: a hard country for women I have two ppyictures in my mind: our soldiers and the girls of the Journalism Course
by Cristina Parodi
Afghanistan is not a country for women. It is the only place in the world where women die before men. You can see very few of them in the streets and those visible are completely covered by their burqa.
During the Taliban regime the burqa was the rule - it had to be worn by every woman. Nowadays even if it is not required anymore women feel safer under this garment.
I have only been in Herat for one week and I have two pictures in my mind: our soldiers of the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) opening a village school and distributing school material to the boys (h(thegilirlsand the flfemaleteacher were iidinside thhe buildi ng because they are not allowe d to participate in public events) and the female students of the University of Herat holding the Journalism Course Certificate. This Course was organized by the Cattolica University and the Fondiaria Sai Foundation. After these girls had promised me they would fight for women’s rights, they ran away because of the fear of kidnapping after sunset. Even emancipated women like them have to go home at a certain time to be safe.
In Afghanistan women can be condemned if they leave their husbands. In the villages where the Mullah imposes the rules it is normal to find child-brides.
Education and security are the most urgent issues to face in order to give women their right place in the Afghan society. It is not possible to make a revolution. Changes have to come slowly and the local traditions and mentality must be respected. The important work carried out by our soldiers is an example of this.
There is still a long way to go but luckily there are courageous women like Suraya Pakzad who are trying to bring positive changes to this country. Suraya Pakzad manages shelters where women considered “out-laws” can live and be safe. When I asked her why she is doing all this she simply answered: “Because one day I hope Afghan women can live a normal life: going out without fear, expressing their opinions and having a key position in the public institutions. This is the Afghanistan I would like to see”. This is the Afghanistan all of us dream to see in the future.
Cristina Parodi interviewing a student of the Journalism Course.
Credits: Ada Francesca Rizzoli April 2011 n°10
Violence against women How to combat this phenomenon
by Oranous Honib, Saghar Mohammadi and Susan Ansoory
Violence against women is one of the worst problems of our country. This problem has not just physical consequences but also psychological ones. Mohammed Rafid Sherzai - spokesman of the Herat Regional Hospital - says:
“Every day at the hospital, there are at least 4 cases of women who have suffered violence. In order to stop this violence we have to work in at least three directions: first of all we have to fight against drug addiction which strongly affects both men and women, and is often the cause of violence against women. Secondly we have to develop and support the departments involved in the field of women’s rights such as the Department of Women’s Affairs (DOWA). Last but not least, it is necessary to make women more aware of their own rights, especially in rural areas”.
Mr. Rahimi, a member of the Human Rights Watch of the Herat Province, says the main task of the Human Rights Commission is to inform and educate people about their rights, the role of the institutions and civil behaviour. In this sense the religious leaders could also play a leading role in helping to prevent and decrease the violence against women: for example, during their Friday ppyrayers in the mosqq,ues, they could speak about the importance of human rights by condemning every sort of cruelty. April 2011 n°10
Fariha’s commitment
by Fariha Khorsand
My name is Fariha Khorsand. I was born in 1988 in Kabul, I am the fourth child of a family of intellectuals. I attended Mehry High School in Herat and now I am in the 4th year of the Faculty of Journalism at the Herat University.
Journalism has been my favourite subject since I was child. For this reason I decided to choose it as a profession even though it is very difficult to be a journalist in Afghanistan especially if you are a woman. I am very determined to reach my aim because it is a way to help Afghan women. I have been working for the local Radio Mozhda since 2008. I am a reporter and I am also the author of programs about women. Our goal is to make Afghan women more aware of their rights.
I also cooperate with several Non Governmental Organizations (NGO). In fact I have realized 36 radio programs about domestic violence for the Civil Society and Human Rights Net.An organization which works towards decreasing the number of victims of violence. I think journalism can contribute to bringing a positive change to my Country.
Unfortunately so far, working for the radio has been my only possibility. For this reason I would like to go abroad for a period to gain further know-how. I sincerely hope I can have this opportunity. April 2011 n°10
Heroic girls Young women who are trying to change their fututre
by Ada Francesca Rizzoli
Today, according to some NGO studies, 90% of Afghan women are victims of domestic violence. This terrible situation often drives these women to self-immolation: this extreme act is usually considered the only escape from such sufferance.
Self-immolation is a huge problem especially in rural areas where cultural tradition, poverty and illiteracy, force women to live like prisoners. In fact they are not allowed to lead a normal life. Even though they have been victims of violence they cannot tell anyone. This problem is particularly widespread in the Herat Region where the students of our Journalism Course live.
The workshop they attended is the result of the partnership between Cattolica University (Milan) and Fondiaria Sai Foundation. Although these young girls live in a big city like Herat, and their lifestyle is better than life in the small country villages, they are still not entirely free. Oneday,beforeleavingtheclassoneofour students - Sosan - told me: “You are lucky, you live in a Nation where you are allowed to do whatever you want”. The female students never leave the University after 4 p.m. because of the danger of being kidnapped. These courageous girls are determined to reach their goals. They follow the harsh rules imposed by Afghan society but at the same time they try to change them. These young women are the new Afghan generation who want a change. They study to become journalists and have the possibility of describing their Country through their own words and eyes. They have proved to be very good by their reportage realized for the on-line magazine WOMEN to be. The reportage show us a different side of Afghanistan. We can read about a beautiful Country full of tradition and history but we also read terrible stories such as self- immolation.
These girls work together with their male colleagues and they do not want to be victims of violence anymore. They claim their rights. In Afghanistan it is still very dangerous to be a woman but they have decided to fight for their freedom.They want to have the power of speech again.
Herat, February 25th 2011 - Professor Lombardi and Giulia Ligresti, President of the Fondiaria Sai Foundation, awarding the certificates of achievement to the students of the Journalism Course.
Credits: Ada Francesca Rizzoli
May n. 11
In this issue: E. Croci - Historical memories F. Khorsand, W. Ehary, Z. Mehrjoo - Saffron: red gold O. Honib - A typical day
O. Honib, S. Mohammadi - HIV plague
Rostami, Saddeqi, Alizay - The voice of young people May 2011 n°11
Histor ica l memories
by Lt. Elena Croci
“Seven celestial columns [...] They have a beauty that goes beyond the scenic element, linked to the light and landscape. Up close, each tile, but each flower and each petal of the mosaic, contribute their brilliant collection. Even the state of ruin this architecture speaks of a golden age. The story has perhaps forgotten ?[...]”*
Afghanistan is an extremely complex country which has been politically, military and culturally influenced by two important civilisations - Persian and Indian. Historically the constant raids from Central Asia have helped to form various tribes of different religions and languages. ThThee ccityity ooffHHerat,erat, ooncence papartrt ooffPPersia,ersia, iiss in tthehe west ooff AAfghanistanfghanistan aandnd cacann be ddefinedefined as tthehe crossroads and cradle of many civilisations.
The strong Italian Military presence in the Province of Herat has introduced a new way of communication which has never been followed by a military mission before – a way through culture. This project has developed steadily since 2005, first of all through photographs and then scientifically from the remains of the artistic and cultural heritage in the Italian patrolled area. A military magazine was published showing photographs and explaining Afghanistan’s artistic contribution to history.
*Robert Byron, The Road to Oxiana, 1937 Today, 5 years after the reconstruction, a stabilised phase has been reached where the population is looking for its own identity and a sense of belonging to the new society. This can be noticed in all the Afghan public venues especially where children are concerned – schools, hlhospitalsand orphanages are just a few of thhese places.The dffdifferent ethnic groups: UbkUzbeki,TkTurk Turkmens, Mongolians and Indians immediately catches the eye, all these groups belong to the same martyred country of Afghanistan which has suffered 30 years of war. The main problem which emerges nowadays is that after so many years of war the average age of the population is only around 45 years and the new generation is unaware that they are part of a nation which has so much ancient history and origins.
The children stare at each other and note the great differences such as the colours of their skin and features, they do not know and nobody has told them that Afghanistan has always been a land of mixed races; their roots and history date back to Cyrus, Darius, Alexander Magnus but all their history books were completely destroyed by the Taliban regime between 2001 and 2003. After a lot of hard work - in collaboration with the Governor of Herat Dr. Daud Shah Saba - finally a bi-lingual English/Dari book has been published. A book “Made in Herat” created and written by me. My goal is to give children the possibility of discovering their past. This project is part of the reconstruction program which includes new schools and new tools to give hope and faith to the future generations. May 2011 n°11
Saffron: red gold A growing sector of AfAfhghan economy
by Fariha Khorsand, Whaeeda Ehary and Zohra Mehrjoo
In Afghanistan saffron is almost as priceless as gold, in fact it is commonly known as “red gold”. It is a very expensive plant which is highly quoted on the world market, especially in Dubai, Pakistan, U.S.A. and Europe. The saffron cultivation does not require much water and only needs basic technology. The growing seasons are short and the product is easily transported. The soil is usually tilled in Autumn or Winter. Nowadays saffron grows in many areas of Afghanistan but in the past it could only be found in Grians’, a village west of Herat. Since 2003 it is widely diffused and there are also cultivations around the city.Women are mainly involved in this work which is very hard and badly paid.
May 2011 n°11
A typical day
by Oranous Honib
I am an Afghan reporter and I live in Herat. My dream is to become a successful reporter and to do this I need to be extremely organized and plan a tight schedule. My day begins at 5 a.m. when I take ablution and pray. After breakfast I get ready to go to college where I concentrate on the lessons and assimilate everything we are taught for future use. After college I go straight to my job in the centre of Herat. I work for a local TV station - Maihan TV - in the afternoon, from 1 to 6 p.m. When I finish work I go home and spend some time with my family and watch the news on TV.After dinner I go to my room and study until 10 p.m. then I work at the computer and relax for an hour before going to bed. Journalists in Afghanistan face many difficulties especially female reporters, one of the main issues is the lack of security, other concerns are economic, no qualified work for women and local traditions which prevent female reporters from doing their work like their foreign counterparts.
I hope the situation will change in the future and my country will be a safer place for journalists. As reporters reveal the real problems of society and the population, they are always adverse to danger and many reporters have lost their lives - I recently witnessed a very traumatic scene where a journalist was killed, I was horrified and still cannot remove that scene from my mind indeed I will never forget it. Reporters are helpless and defenceless and unfortunately the government have always ignored these facts. My greatest ambition is to see the development of Afghanistan. I want my country to live in peace and become independent like any other country. Personally speaking I want to become a famous journalist and to be financially independent and be able to tell the world all about Afghanistan. May 2011 n°11
HIV plague Patients abandoned by institutions
by Oranous Honib and Saghar Mohammadi
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus and the ways to become infected are: unsafe sex; infected mothers can transmit HIV to their children during pregnancy, during delivery and during breast feeding; sharing syringes and needles which are already infected with HIV; unsafe blood transfusions. In the Western Region of Afghanistan the number of HIV positive people is increasingdaybydayandmostofthem are injected drug users (IDUs) and drug addicts. According to Dr. Shahram – the head of the HIV protection programme in the Western region of Afghanistan - more than 60% of HIV positive people were infected from sharing syringes and needles and most of them are young. Mahmood, a man from the Province of Badqis, is HIV positive. He became infected three years ago during a period of drug addiction in Iran. His life is very sad. He works as a farmer in order to earn money for treatments for his illness but this is not sufficient. Mahmood really wants to survive but he is alone with no one to help him and with no support from the organizations. Why doesn’t our Government pay more attention to these problems? Mahmood’s mother discovered that her son was HIV positive only 2 years ago and soon after she tried to help and save him as he is the only man of the family. She desperately tried to raise money and find support from the organizations and doctors that could help him. May 2011 n°11
The voice of young people Youth Voice Radio
by Rostami, Saddeqi and Alizay
Nowadays, Youth Voice Radio – set up for students in 2004 – is the most popular radio station in Herat with more than 50.000 listeners. The programs are broadcasted all day from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m and are followed both by people at work and at home.There is a wide variation of programs not only news but also scientific, educational, social and political ones. Faizal Karimi – head of the radio planning – is convinced that Youth Voice Radio “is the best radio station of Herat compared with the other 50 radio stations of the city. One of the reasons for this success is the employees, the other reason is the choice of programs. The employees are all young and highly educated students. Despite their young age they realize how useful this experience is for their future. Every week 40 different programs are transmitted and involve a large audience”.
June/July n. 12
In this issue:
E. Shafiq, M. Hafizi -Lack of gymnasium S. Mohammadi - Buying our freedom
M. Hassan - Times are changing for women O. Honib - The problem of self-burning S. Sultani – Broadcasting in Afghanistan
June/July 2011 n°12
Lack of gymnasium Women can only play sport iidndoors
by Ehsan Shafiq and Maseeh Hafizi
Volleyball, basketball, karate, wisho and taekwondo are the most common sports for women in Herat. In our city the young girls go to practice sport after schools.
Sima Karimi who has played volleyball and basketball since she was 5 years, said: “We would like to have more support from our families but sport for women is still a taboo in our society”.
Ab Qaium Jami - the manager of Herat Sport - said: “The main problem for women to practice sport is the lack of indoor gymnasiums”. For this reason only a few of them can do sport. In Afghanistan it is still forbidden for women to ppylay sport outdoors. June/July 2011 n°12
Buying our freedom A shopping mall for Afghan women
by Saghar Mohammadi
One of the many problems of Afghan women is work because they have to leave the safety of their homes. This is just one of the limitations they have to respect on account of tradition. Afghan society is still against the idea of working women. Despite this, women continue their battle to be part of society. Fortunately after the Taliban Era things have slightly changed. NdNowadays even ldiladies can be Mini sters and takepartinsociety.
To date the Women Affairs Department in Herat city has taken huge steps towards this goal. Unfortunately the situation is different in rural areas and it will take longer to change female conditions.
One of thewaysthe Department tries to support women is tocreateidea l working condit ions for them, they built a special shopping centre entirely dedicated to and managed by women. This shopping Mall has 36 shops where women can work safely without being threatened. This is not only an occasion to work but also a chance to go shopping. Here it is possible for women and their families to buy bags, carpets and other handcrafts in the safety of the shopping mall.
This shopping centre was opened on March 8th and it is unique in that all the shopkeepers must be women. Although this shopping mall will be one of the best places for family shopping there are still a few difficulties to be overcome but this will surely not prevent the shopkeepers from showing society their efficiency and determination.
June/July 2011 n°12
Times are changing for women Human RiRihtghts CCiiommission is ddioing an iittmportant jjbob
by Massoma Hassan
“Women refer to the Human Rights Commission more than ever. This is our biggest success” so said Mrs. Suraya Daqiqi - Head of the Human Rights Women Affairs Department. The Commission is located in the west zone of Herat.
Mrs. DiiDaqiqi also said that nowadays women are more aware of thhieir rihights than bfbefore. “Every day our Department has to face at least 5 new cases which also involve women from other provinces: Farah, Badghis and Nimruz.”
Her office is the place where women and their families come for help and advice. “When there is a family problem both sides are consulted and if possible reconciled. Otherwise lawyers give thewomenfree lllegal adidvice and hlhelpthem in dfdefendi ng thhieir rihights.” Since 2003 Afghan women tried hard to introduce a law against violence. This law was finally passed by Parliament and now it is part of the Legal System.
The Department has workshops for women which include women’s rights. In some districts and villages there are also reading and writing courses for women. The Department personnel go to villages and speak to the women about their rights. They give them advice on how to solve their problems. As a result of the excellent work carried out by this Department and through the media most of the women are now aware of their rights. Suraya Daqiqi receiving two women in her office. June/July 2011 n°12
The problem of self-burning The hidden truth
by Oranous Honib
Last year in the Province of Herat there have been 88 cases of self-immolation: 4 men and 84 women. About 60% of these cases are women living in the countryside; 25% are women from other neighbouring provinces and only 15% are from Herat. Unfortunately last year the cases of self burning increased by about 30%. Dr. Jalali, a doctor at the Burn Center of Herat, says: «The majority of women who come to our Centre hide themselves, when we ask them what happened or how they burnt themselves they usually tell us that it was an accident, not a self-immolation». Family problems often force women to hide the truth because of unlawful social traditions. Before sending them to the hospital the family members may force the women to lie. That is why when women arrive at the hospital they often invent a story so their families are not to blame. One example is Fatima: we interviewed her in the Burn Center. She said: «I burnt myself by accident. We don’t have electricity at home and so we use lanterns. While I was putting fuel into the lantern, it spilt on the carpet and caught fire and suddenly the flames spread all over my arm and legs. I went into the yard and started shouting: “Save me! Save me!”. I tried to take off my clothes but the fire had already burnt me».
Another example is Amena who said: «I am a widow. I burnt myself by accident with the gas. While I was at the gas station refilling my car the gas overflowed and a huge flame encircled me. 50% of my body was burnt». When we asked Amena about her family situation, she said she had no problems with her family, “I am very happy with my mother-in-law and my father-in- law, they are like my parents. What happened to me was just an accident». The mother-in-law was sitting there, beside the bed, listening to our conversation. June/July 2011 n°12
Broadcasting in Afghanistan
by Shaheen Sultani
One of the basic duties of the media is to deliver information to the public. The media have both a positive and a negative effect on society. Their role is particularly important when they have a deep understanding of the social problems and know exactly the needs of their surroundings. According to Miss Susan Ansari - a young female radio journalist working in Herat City - the media should be more involved in society because they have a deeper knowledge of their country’s needs, they should be more involved in society. Unfortunately in Afghanistan neither Private or State owned media know what their main mission is or what their responsibilities consist of. The Radio and TV often misinterpret the reality because of the scarcity of freelance professional journalists and the lack of true social commitments. In society the media generally broadcast the latest news and economic, scientific, political programs, unfortunately we do not see this system in Afghanistan.
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTORS Italian contributors
Alessandro Belgiojoso Gabriella Ghidoni
Professional photographer Psychologist Chairman of who is aware of social issues. Arte-fatto Onlus. She set He is particularly involved in up the Royah Design project. the concept in boundary.
www.alessandrobelgiojoso.com www.royah.org - www.arte-fatto.org
Elena Croci Silvia Guberti
Lieutenaunt of the Italian Army Italian Army Lieutenant (Brigata (Reserve). An expert in cultural Taurinense - Fossano). communication especially in She was in service in Herat artistic heritage. during PRT – XIII.
www.comunicazioneculturale.it
Katia Figini Antonino Inturri
Trial runner. The only woman Italian Army Colonel. who crossed 5 deserts in less Commandant in Chief of the 3rd than a year in extreme conditions. Regiment of Brigata Julia (Artiglieria di montagna). Commander in Chief of Herat PRT – XIV. www.xcorsi.eu
Franco Frattini Masha Hamilton
Deputy. Minister for Foreign Affairs American journalist and author of from May 2008 to November 2011. four best-sellers. She founded two He has already been in charge of this world literacy projects. One is for Ministry from 2002 to 2004 before Afghan women: Afghan Women’ s being Co-Chairman of European Writing Project. Commission. www.mashiahamilton.com
Duillio Giammaria Ignazio La Russa
Journalist and writer. Foreign Deputy. Minister of Defence from correspondent for RAI. AAhuthor May 2008 to Novemb er 2011. of various reports on central Asia Since 2009 national coordinator of and Afghanistan which have won the Italian Party Popolo delle Libertà. several international awards. Criminal lawyer. He is married and has three children. Giulia Ligresti Ada Francesca Rizzoli
Chairman of Premafin Holding. Anthropologist and freelance Co-Chairman of Fondiaria Sai. photographer. Chai rman of Fon diar ia SiSai Foundation. She is married and has three children. www.fondazionefondiariasai.it
Marco Lombardi Marco Urago
Sociology Professor at the He is in charge of the Afghanistan Cattolica University of Milan. projects for the Italian Cooperation. He is charge of the University projects for Afghanistan. www.unicattolica.it www.cooperazioneallosviluppo.esteri.it
Beatrice Micovilovich Matteo Vergani
Architect for the Municipality Sociologist and assistant lecturer of Trieste. Italian Army Captain for the Cattolica University of (Reserve). She participated Milan. in one mission in Iraq and three in Afghanistan.
Cristina Parodi Fabrizio Zacchè
Journalist. Famous breaking news Italian Army Lieutenant-Colonel. (Tg5) anchorwoman. For 9 years He lead the CIMIC part of PRT- XII. she hosted Verissimo a popular entertainment program. She is married and has three children.
Silvia Risi
She has represented the CESVI Organization in Afghanistan for 2 years. Now she covers the same role in Haiti. www.cesvi.org Afghan contributors
Masiha Afzali * Age: * Education: * Current occupation:*
“My name is Masiha. I was born in Jalalabad. My family fled to Pakistan when I was very young. I lived first in the refugees’ camps near Peshawar before gradually integrating in the country with thousands of other refugees. My family and I returned in Afghanistan after 2002”.
Fawzia Ahmad * Age: * Education: graduated in Journalism at the University of Herat Current occupation: I work for Radio Sahar
“My name is Fawzia. I graduated from the Faculty of Journalism at the University of Herati n 2005. Since then I have been working in Radio Sahar which is a radio for women. But I have also done other activities in several radios such as Radio Vatandar and I am a meber of an international association”.
* Sima Ahmady Age: 37 years old Education: graduated in Journalism at the University of Herat Current occupation: Deputy Director at Radio Sahar
“I was born in Herat. I studied in Afghanistan for 11 years before the war broke out and the Taliban started ruling. I moved to Iran for 5 years. After the fall of the Taliban I entered the Facolty of Journalism and I graduated in 2005. Since then I have been working for Radio Sahar. Now I am the Deputy Director of this Radio and I am involved in programs concerning social issues”.
* For cultural and privacy reasons it has been impossible to supply more personal details and photographs. Asma Aslami * Età:Age: 20 20 anni years old Istruzione:Education: studentstudentessa of Journalism di Giornalismo at the University all’Università of Herat di Herat AttualeCurrent occupazione: occupation: *lavoro per la stazione radiofonica Radio Sahar
“My name is Asma and I am 20 years old. I study Journalism at the University of Herat. I know English and a little German”.
Whaeeda Ehari * Age: 23 years old Education: student of Journalism at the University of Herat Current occupation: part-time employee in a radio station
“My name is Whaeeda. I was born in Herat 23 years ago. I finished my studies in High School and after passing the entry exam I began the Journalism Faculty of the Herat University. I work part-time for Radio Youth Voice which belongs to the University Radio Sahar. I have also taught in a private school. I feel I am a succesful woman”.
Nasima Hamdard
Age: 22 years old * Education: student of Journalism of the University of Herat Current occupation: speaker for Youth Voice Radio and Radio Zohal
“My name is Nasima. I am a student of Journalism at the Herat University. I entered the workshop in photo-journalism of the NGO Iwpr. In 2010 I begun to collaborate with the on-line magazine WOMEN to be. My first article and reportage was about one of the radio I am working for: Radio Youth Voice”.
* For cultural and privacy reasons it has been impossible to supply more personal details and photographs. Soraiya Hashemi * Age: 23 years o ld Education: graduated in English Literature at Herat University Current occupation: interpreter at the Italian PRT di Herat
“BeforestartingtoworkIknewnothingabout people’s real life in Herat. Thanks to the PRT work in Herat I now have a clear idea about lifestyle in my city. Knowing more and more about the real life inspired me to share with others what I have seen and learnt. Now thanks to the Journalism Course I am ready to show my Country to the rest of the world”.
Massoma Hassan * Age: 29 years old Education: graduated in Literature at the University of Herat Current occupation: journalist
“I am Massoma Hassan and I was born on the 1st of January 1981 in Oruzgan province. I graduated in Literature at the University of Herat in 2005. I started teaching in the same faculty in 2006 and then I entered the Sada-e Azadi newspapar in December 2006. After that I have been working as a journalist at the Voice of Freedom that is published by ISAF”.
Oranous Honib
A*Age:* Education: junior student of Journalism at the University of Herat Current occupation: journalist for Maihan TV
“My day begins at 5 a.m. when I take ablution and pray. After breakfast I get ready to go college and then I go straight to my job in the centre of Herat. I work for a local TV station - Maihan TV. My greatest ambition is to see the development of Afghanistan. I want my country to live in peace. Personally speaking I want to be a famous journalist and to be financially independent”.
* For cultural and privacy reasons it has been impossible to supply more personal details and photographs. Fariha Khorsand
Age: 22 years old Education: junior student of Journalism at the University of Herat Current occupation: part-time employed in a radio station
“I was born in Kabul in 1986 and finished my studies in primary school in Kabul and attended high school in Heart before starting University. I also have a part time job in Radio Mojhde. I have been appointed as producer for a special program for women. I take an active part in human rights in particular those concerning women, so I am in touch with some female NGOs in Herat”.
Saghar Mohammadi
Age: 21 years old Education: student of Journalism of the University of Herat Current occupation: speaker and correspondent in a local radio station
“My name is Saghar. In 2005 when I graduated from high school, I chose the Faculty of Journalism at the Herat University and in 2006 I enrolled in the Journalism Dept of Literacy Faculty and I am now in the third year. To implement my earnings from the Faculty and parallel to my education, I have been working in a local radio station as an announcer and correspondent since 2009”.
Mojhgan Salimi * Age: 26 years old Education: student of Journalism at the University of Herat Current occupation: employed at Youth Voice Radio
“My name is Mojhgan and I was born in 1984 in the Herat Province. After High School I studied Journalism at Herat University. Since then I have done several part time jobs and at the moment I work at Youth Voice Radio. I know English and I am also familiar with five computer programs like, Windows, MS Word, MS. Excel, Power Point and Internet ”.
* For cultural and privacy reasons it has been impossible to supply more personal details and photographs. Shaheen Poya
Age: 23 years old Education: student of Journalism at the University of Herat Current occupation: *
“My name is Shaheen and I am 23. I am a student at Herat University. In 2010, in addition to my regular courses, I had the opportunity to attend a special workshop in photo journalism. After which I began to collaborate with the on-line magazine WOMEN to be. My first contribution was an interview with Maria Bashir, a woman I admire very much”.
Alizay, Susan Ansoory, Sakhi Attae, Maseeh Hafizi, Hasina, Mahnaz Hosseini Zohra Mehrrjoo,* Mozghan, Rostami, Saddeqi, Ehsan Shafiq, Shanin, Sima, Storai Sultani, Vidia, Rooz Zia *.
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* For cultural and privacy reasons it has been impossible to supply more personal details and photographs. Credits: Ada Francesca Rizzoli “I arrived in Herat convinced we would build schools but I realized the real priority was to give voice to the women. No woman is free whilst others are not ”.
Giulia Ligresti
www.womentobe.org
Project of the Fondiaria Sai Foundation in partnership with Cattolica University of Milan