Most readers already know the background of Bibi Aisha, the young woman whose Taliban husband and in-laws hacked off her nose and ears to punish her for seeking protection from the brutal treatment she had suffered at their hands for years.

After she was well enough to leave the U.S. military clinic, where she spent 3 months, Ayesha spent 9 months in the WAW shelter in Kabul, then went to the Grossman Burn Foundation in CA for reconstructive surgery. When doctors there decided she was not stable enough to endure the difficult surgeries ahead of her, WAW decided to care for her in NYC. She arrived here in November.

We rented and furnished an apartment for her so she would not have to live as a guest in the homes of other people. We arranged for a client of ours, a kind Afghan woman who needed a home, to be her roommate. We assembled a team of doctors to help her adjust. Despite our efforts, the transition has not been easy since Aisha suffers from post traumatic stress disorder.  Aisha visits regularly with the local Imam, something which has calmed her down and brought her some peace.  Aisha is beginning a schedule of lessons in English, basic general knowledge and math.   We are now searching for an experienced ESL teacher, and we are beginning to think about Aisha’s future.
Aisha is an expert at making bead jewelry, and has been selling a few necklaces and bracelets she has made.  We have plans to develop her small business to generate income she desperately needs.

Aisha had some good news in December 2010 when her father-in-law, who was complicit in her abuse and torture, was arrested.  WAW is working hard to get him extradited to Kabul so that our lawyers can testify on behalf of Aisha.  The Afghan police states that they are still searching for Aisha's husband, the main perpetrator of her horrific torture and disfigurement.
Despite having grown up in a village and having never been to school, despite being illiterate, despite the horrors of her life to this point, Aisha is a poised, charming, and witty young woman. She has a powerful native intelligence, which is intact. She is the quintessential survivor: strong, defiant, determined. She has a long road ahead of her, but we are optimistic about her chances for a fulfilling life. 

Of course, taking care of Aisha costs money, more than we anticipated when we took on the task. And so we ask you to consider contributing to our Bibi Aisha Fund. We welcome any amount. 100% of your contributions will go to Bibi Aisha’s care.  

Thank you on behalf of Women for Afghan Women and Bibi Aisha.

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