The Afghan Women’s Writing Project is based on the belief that to tell one’s story is a human right. The Project was started in 2009 by Marsha Hamilton after watching the execution of Zarmeena for the alleged murder of her husband. She visited Afghanistan and set out to give a voice to women whose voices have been hidden or silenced.
Words and stories are powerful. Sharing stories can build cross-cultural awareness and commonality. Kamilah wrote this poem for International Peace Day, September 21, 2012. Though her words are simple and speak of her everyday life and needs, she also speaks for all of us.
I wonder
Why everyone talks about peace
About a dream that didn’t come true
The peace that never existed
Or has not been born yet
In my land
Peace is a bite of bread for a laborer
New clothes for orphan kids
Shelters for homeless people
A pair of shoes for a shepherd
Cozy sleeps for mama’s children
But, here is no peace
Peace!
You already abandoned my city
Maybe we were not good hosts
And made you upset,
But we always welcome you
Please!
Don’t abandon my land
By Kamilah
Read more Afghan women’s writings here. http://awwproject.org/our-writers/
Do you have a story to tell?
Women, Words, and Wisdom 
I think everyone has a story to tell–and I’m in favor of everyone having the opportunity to tell theirs. I think that teaching people to write is one of the greatest gifts we can give not only to them, but to humanity. The more people can share their stories, the more understanding can be built.
I agree. We live our stories. Our stories are us. By reading about other people’s lives, we become part of the whole. We need more women’s stories.
Yes, we do need more women’s stories. We also need more men who value women’s stories as relevant and meaningful.