Abuse Often Follows Afghans to America
New York Times, February 27, 2011
Naheed Bahram, the chief case manager at Women for Afghan Women — a decade-old advocacy organization based in Fresh Meadows, Queens, where many Afghans have settled — said that as recently as five years ago, the center knew of only two cases of domestic abuse. As the community’s trust in the group has grown, that number has risen: about 35 battered women sought help last year.
Ms. Bahram said she suspected that most of the 300 or so women the center serves with classes and counseling had suffered domestic violence but were still afraid to report it. “We’ve had clients who have been living like that for 16 to 17 years,” said Ms. Bahram, an Afghan immigrant herself.
ABOUT WAW NY
WAW NY PROGRAMS
WAW NY CLASS SCHEDULE
WAW NY OFFICE INFORMATION
ABOUT WAW NY
WAW NY is a home away from home for Afghan women. It is a safe space for the women from this community, where their needs are the priority. Most women who frequent the Center live in Queens, although Afghan women from Long Island and other NYC boroughs also participate in our programs. The programs we offer are designed to respond to the needs and challenges of Afghan women living in New York, and to protect their rights.
We conduct our work in the context of the Afghan community, respecting Afghan traditions and practices, and celebrating Afghan culture. All our programs have a core message and purpose: securing, protecting and advancing women's human rights.
 |
Individual Assistance and Counselling Afghan women are welcome at our Center any time that we are open. It is preferable, however, that you make an appointment with our Program Manager Naheed Bahram (718-591-2434). Naheed and her team of staff and volunteers will talk with you and guide you to make informed choices for your life. We are here to help you overcome the challenges you might be facing, refer you to other agencies as appropriate, and we can assure you absolute confidentiality. Issues we help women with routinely include: immigration, accessing social security benefits, education and employment, parenting, marital/family issues and domestic violence. |
 |
|
 |
These popular monthly meetings are educational and also social. They are open to all Afghan women. We usually have a guest speaker who will speak on a subject very relevant to Afghan women's lives. We serve lunch and have informal discussion of topical issues and current events. The Women's Circle is also a safe space for women to share their personal challenges and to support each other. There is always a pot luck Afghan lunch. |
 |
Girls' Leadership Program This is a club by and for for Afghan girls, ages 10 - 14. Activities include: Movies and Discussion, Arts and Crafts, Field Trips, Guest Speakers, Cultural Programs. Girls learn about the world around them, and the how it relates to the local community they live in. Girls will grow as responsible team members and leaders, and also have a lot of fun! The group meets every other Saturday. Parents are welcome to call Naheed Bahram at 718-591-2434 if interested. |
 |
Children's Tutoring Every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 4–6pm, Afghan children (boys and girls) receive help with home work assignments, tutoring in basic math and reading comprhension skills, and New York state test preparation. |
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday |
|
10-11am Yoga
English & Literacy |
11-1pm English & Literacy 4-6pm Homework Help for Children |
11-1pm Class, and |
| Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
|
11:00am-1:00pm
|
Children's Dari Class 1:00pm-2:30pm Girls' Leadership |
WAW NY OFFICE INFORMATION
Women for Afghan Women
158-24 73rd Ave.
Fresh Meadows, NY 11366
Tel: 718.591.2434
Fax: 718.591.2430
The Center is open from 10 am to 6 pm, Monday thru Friday and 10 am to 3 pm on Saturdays.