Why I Love Women for Afghan Women Part V

by Esther Hyneman, Women for Afghan Women Boardmember

Women for Afghan Women is a grassroots, women’s human rights organization with 10 years experience in Afghanistan. The life of the organization and the commitment of the staff and board members (like me) are wrapped up in the women and girls we help.

Every other Monday we have been posting the stories of women in WAW's shelters in Afghanistan. This is our final installment. Here is Marzia's story.

Marzia, a Hazara, fell in love with a Tajik boy and had sex with him. When her father found out, he tried to kill her. She ran away, and the AIHRC sent her to us. Her father, who is opposed to her marrying a Tajik, went to court to try to put her in jail for committing zena (adultery—sex outside of marriage). When our lawyer went to court to finalize her marriage, we had to ask the police for extra security. Marzia is now happily married to her boyfriend and has one baby. The father threatened us for many years and even complained about us to the Supreme Court. We prevailed and are now free of his threats.