by Emily VanVleck – NFBPWC Member | Afghan Women Project Committee Member

This past weekend was the most rewarding since becoming a part of the NFBPWC. Our club, as a part of the National-level Special Project for Afghan Women, has worked tirelessly for the last month and a half to conceptualize and implement a plan to help the displaced women from Afghanistan arriving in the US. This weekend I witnessed firsthand the fruits of our labor. Our chapter collected a donation of over 14,000 head coverings and sewing materials that we delivered to a military base where the newly arrived families are being processed. We were met by an escort who graciously answered questions and referred to the Afghans as “their guests.” 

I was able to see Afghans sitting outside chatting and playing pickup soccer games across the yard. Our escort told us the soldiers on base love to come and play with the guests and that a soccer tournament had even been established. However, the most special part of this experience was the kids, which there were a lot of! One particular group was very excited to say hello and to give us fist bumps. After the exchanged fist bumps, one of the kids walked up and gave me a hug that absolutely melted my heart. Little did I know that was only the beginning of my blessings. After the first hug, another kid came forward to hug me, then another. Before I knew it, I was getting hugs from the whole group of kids. When it was time to say goodbye I had tears in my eyes and the biggest smile on my face.

I have never felt so grateful and proud to be a part of an organization. When returning to college, my goal was to help people - this weekend I truly felt I was achieving that goal. It has been an exhausting route to take our project from an idea to what it is today in just over a month. Seeing the families and children waiting to begin their lives in the US made every bit of effort worthwhile. 

I am inspired by the courage it took our Afghan allies to leave everything they knew behind to start life anew in a strange place. I am inspired by the work our military and various government agencies continue to do to support our Afghan allies. I am inspired by the numerous organizations and individuals who have come together to welcome these newest Americans to our home.

Above all, I remain inspired by all the women I am privileged to work with at BPW. Meeting that group of kids is something I will never forget, I still cannot believe I experienced such a special moment. What started as a strenuous day of work delivering a donation turned into my biggest source of motivation and inspiration to work even harder.

A Message From The President

Dear NFBPWC Members and Fellow Advocates,

NFBPWC is in direct contact with U.S. top military personnel about the first wave of displaced Afghan people. They are safe and well cared for; receiving housing, food, medical care, and other services. 

As their visas are being processed and others wait to be resettled, we are hearing first-hand of what we can do to help. Most of the displaced Afghan's left wearing only the clothing on their backs.  And, although women are given access to clothing and supplies at the base retail centers, the clothing designed for female military personnel is inappropriate for those who practice hijab (modest clothing).

We've been informed that many of the Afghan women are refusing to come out of the barracks because they are embarrassed by what they have to wear and/or can access on the bases.

NFBPWC is stepping forward to launch the Afghan Women Project -- a mission to provide new, modest undergarments (panties, bras, socks) to displaced Afghan women in the United States.

Our first step: raise financial donations by October 31, 2021 to pay for the purchase (and shipment) of undergarments.

Our minimum fundraising goal: $5000 USD

CLICK TO DONATE TODAY

I ask that you please consider donating as we work to provide this life-changing need. When donating online, please notate your intention by selecting "Afghan Women Project" in the final donation field.

Thank you for your contribution and your support during this first phase of this project. Stay tuned for details on our progress and the next steps in our plan!

Megan Shellman-Rickard
2020-2022 NFBPWC President

Special Session on Afghanistan (August 24)

Read the Call for Immediate Action Written Statement to protect human rights and dignity in Afghanistan with special focus on women and girls. 

> Read Written Statement as PDF

This a joint written statement submitted by Women's Federation for World Peace International, Biovision Stiftung für ökologische Entwicklung, International Alliance of Women, International Federation of Business and Professional Women, Soroptimist International, Universal Peace Federation, Zonta International, non-governmental organizations in general consultative status, Graduate Women International (GWI), Mothers Legacy Project, National Alliance of Women's Organizations, UFER- Unis pour l'Equité et la Fin du Racisme/ UFER - United for Equity and Ending Racism, Widows Rights International, non-governmental organizations in special consultative status.