When Gul Andam’s parents passed away she was forced to live with her brothers and their family. During that time, Gul Andam’s life was transformed to that of a slave. She was expected to serve their every need and was not permitted to go anywhere. Whenever the family was displeased they would physically and emotionally abuse her. Gul Andam was a beautiful woman and had many prospective suitors, but whenever a suitor requested her hand in marriage the brothers would always request a large amount of money and the family would decline. After some time, Gul Andam fell in love with Turialy, a family friend, but even then her brothers refused to allow her to marry. Instead, they accused her of adultery. Afraid of their accusations, Gul Andam felt helpless and when the opportunity presented itself she ran away to the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC). The AIHRC referred Gul Andam to WAW’s Kabul Family Guidance Center (FGC). We assigned her a caseworker and she stayed in our shelter. However, as is the case with many women who are abused in Afghanistan, she questioned her decision and believed she shamed her family. Gul Andam decided she wanted to return to her family, so WAW’s caseworkers provided counseling and mediation to Gul Andam and her extended family. The family agreed to stop the abuse and promised not to obstruct her marriage, and so Gul Andam decided to return. Initially we were delighted to hear that Gul Andam was happy and the abuse had stopped. However, a few weeks after Gul Andam left us, our caseworkers conducted an unannounced home-visit and found Gulandam badly beaten with a broken arm. The caseworkers immediately removed Gul Andam from the situation and again provided her with counseling and shelter. Since the incident Gul Andam’s brothers have visited our FGC many times asking to meet with Gul Andam, but she has consistently refused. After she settled into life at the shelter she began to show an interest in helping other women and working, so WAW employed her at the FGC kindergarten where she excelled. When WAW opened its fifth FGC in Kunduz, we needed a caring and supportive caretaker to assist women in the shelter. WAW could think of no one better suited for the job than Gul Andam. Her determination and compassion will provide strength to other women. Gul Andam is now free and able to choose her path in life.
