Women for Afghan Women: Shattering Myths and Claiming the Future [Paperback]

Sunita Mehta (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 4, 2002

Women for Afghan Women: Shattering Myths and Claiming the Future is a collaborative attempt to write history, to bring greater awareness to the issues of Afghanistan and Afghan women, and to promote the agency of Afghan women in issues that impact their lives. The book includes a variety of female voices, highlighting a unifying desire to come together as women and share, network, and strategize for change. This desire is focused on Afghan women but is also about global sisterhood and about the importance of feminist activism on an international level. “Women for Afghan Women,” a group comprised of both Afghan and non-Afghan women, was formed in April 2001 and is committed to the struggle for Afghan women's human rights.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

In the past year, many books have been compiled to address Americans' general unawareness of Afghanistan and the plight of its people. This one covers that vacuum by telling the story of Afghan women through their own voices. Cofounder of the human rights group Women for Afghan Women and director of grants at the Sister Fund in New York City, Mehta has compiled essays from a wide variety of women, both Afghan (Sima Wali, Saira Shah) and American (Gloria Steinem, Angela King), who are active in human rights and have personal experiences in Afghanistan. This collection traces the history of Afghan women's rights and roles through the latter decades of the last century. Several essays delve into the respected role of women in the Muslim faith; others discuss the ramifications of the Soviet invasion and Taliban rule. The book concludes with essays on solutions for the future and reasons for hope. This particularly well-written, readable work provides timely insights and information about the people of Afghanistan and the faith of Islam. Recommended in addition to basic sources about the region.
Deborah Bigelow, Leonia P.L., NJ
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"A very valuable addition to the spate of recent works on Afghanistan."--B. Tavakolian, Choice

"...this excellent collection...provides both basic information for a newcomer...and sophisticated critiques...."--Amy Zalman, Women's Review of Books

“Over the last few months, many people have spoken on behalf of Afghan women; this book serves the invaluable function of allowing them to speak for themselves.” —Amitav Ghosh, author of The Glass Palace

“This stimulating collection gives a voice to women whose voices have been
shrouded in silence. To read the words of many of these remarkable women
is to understand the truth behind-and beyond-the burqa.” —Shashi Tharoor, author and Head of the Department of Public Information, United Nations

“The writing in this book gives testament to the brilliance, power and potential of the women of Afghanistan. These voices must be heard.” —Eve Ensler, author, The Vagina Monologues and Necessary Targets

“...some survival stories make history. In this regard, the women in Afghanistan and refugee Afghan women worked in the shadows to preserve their dignity. I commend the members of ‘Women for Afghan Women’ for this illuminating collection of essays.” —Asma Jahangir, Supreme Court of Pakistan; UN envoy

“...Women were responsible for mobilizing international public opinion against the Taliban and for rescuing Afghanistan.This book ensures that their story is told, that their struggle is not forgotten and that it continues as Afghan women try and rebuild their shattered lives and country.” —Ahmed Rashid, author of Taliban

"In the past year, many books have been compiled to address Americans'
general unawareness of Afghanistan and the plight of its people. This one covers that vacuum by telling the story of Afghan women through their own voices...This particularly well-written, readable work provides timely insights and information about the people of Afghanistan and the faith of Islam. Recommended in addition to basic sources about the region."
-- Deborah Bigelow, Library Journal

...provide[s] an antidote to Western arrogance...attempt[s] to give a voice to the world's unheard women.
-Washington Post Book World

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan (October 4, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1403960178
• ISBN-13: 978-1403960177
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #916,108 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars great small essays on the tradgedy and hopes for afghanistan, January 5, 2005

By 

Kristen Benevides (ct usa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Women for Afghan Women: Shattering Myths and Claiming the Future (Paperback)

i was kind of surprised to find that the overall rating for this book is a 5 star rating.

i thoroughly applaud all the contributors in the book for their statements and facts on afghanistan. i also applaud w.a.w., which also has a site on the web for anyone wanting to help further or read more. they are doing an immense job of bringing people the truth about afghanistan, and helping those in need. alongside rawa they are one of the groups in the u.s. who is making a big difference in the perceptions and misperceptions people have about afghanistan and the severity of life that people face there, in pakistan as well, particularly the women.

the book was rather slow-moving for me as it was many small accounts of what is wrong, what was right, and how to help. because i am already well-informed and helping in certain ways, i found it to be repetitive information. the reason i would recommend this book, is because the group is wonderful and people should be aware of who they are and what they are doing, and 2nd- if you are NOT well-informed about islam, afghanistan, and the history or politics involved in creating the current situation, then this will enlighten you in a simple and easy way as to what these people have gone through good and bad, and the hopes people have for the future. it offers things we in the u.s. need to do and should do in terms of assistance and support. it lets you read opinions and facts through a variety of sources, rather than one authors opinion throughout the entire book.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clearing up the Afghan Woman Myth, November 4, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Women for Afghan Women: Shattering Myths and Claiming the Future (Hardcover)

For anyone who thinks Afghan women are a group of uneducated, oppressed, passive women, this book is a must read. Educated, thoughtful, and fiercely passionate Afghan women write in their own words what their struggles have been, and how they will overcome them.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the view of afghan women, November 21, 2002

By 

Caryn Lawson "caryn giles lawson" (san jose, ca USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Women for Afghan Women: Shattering Myths and Claiming the Future (Paperback)

I recently read this book and was most impressed by the honesty of many of the Afghan women, as well as the essays which clarified what the Q'uran says about women. As far as Islam goes, it is very important to make a distinction between theology and culture. Many of the things that that non-Muslims view as unacceptable (with respect to women)in the Muslim world are based on cultural practices not the Q'uran. Afghan women have been clear in this book in stating that although they want the support of women worldwide, that they must be the ones to determine the direction of the women's movement in Afghanistan. It is critical to the sucess of such a movement that it develop within a cultural and religious framework that is appropriate to them. I was a Peace Corps volunteer in Kabul from 1977-79 and hold both Afghanistan and it's people close to my heart. We must support their efforts toward rebuilding their country, but remember, it is their country!
Caryn Giles Lawson