October 4, 2007.  A large audience attended at the Hall of Nations in Balboa Park when Dr. Huma Ghosh and Nazanin Wahid spoke about life in Afghanistan under the current resurgence of the Taliban. 

This informational event raised several thousand dollars for VOW's program with AWEC.  Dr. Ghosh and Ms. Wahid reenforced the needs of AWEC, as she was instrumental in introducing VOW to the organization.  The Taliban continues the programs put in place by the Mujadin.  Women are making strides forward, but get undermined by the Taliban.  Some elected women will be overcome by male dominance in decision-making (75%), however women are becoming increasingly successful in local body politics.  Women, however, risk death when they speak out boldly against the government. The literacy rate for women is currently at 14%.  Healthcare is rarely available. Giving funds to Afghanistan NGOs is very complicated, however the right kind of international support can make a difference.  Women's rights in Afghanistan look very different to ours.  Many women have been peacebrokers which has lead to some reconciliation.  However, suicide is an urgent problem.  Many in Afghanistan blame the Iraq war for re-igniting the problems in their country. Infrastructure re-development is a huge need.  Some women activists have considered starting their own mosques as they are not allowed into traditional mosques.  This is part of Islam's blanket restrictions on women's activities.