The Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan (RAWA) was established in 1977 to fight for women's rights and equality in Afghanistan. RAWA believes that freedom and democracy must be achieved through the people of a country fighting for it, not being donated. Currently, RAWA continues to advocate for women's rights and hold events to raise awareness about the situation in Afghanistan, where religion dictates law and women are often regarded as property with little recognition. To support their efforts, readers are encouraged to subscribe to RAWA's mailing list to stay informed about their work worldwide.

1. RAWA Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan

2. What is the problem? Communist Peoples Democratic Party of Afghanistan-1978: introduced reforms to cultural practices that denounced the role of women Mujahidin: a coalition of Islamist tribal groups fought to push Soviet groups out of Afghanistan. After Soviet withdrawl, the country exploded into a civil war. The victimization and impoverishment of women was a result.

3. What is the problem? Rise of Taliban-1994: enforced strict, sometimes violent, laws to secure the position of women in an effort to “fulfill the dictates” of Islam. Lack of Women's Rights in Post-Taliban Afghanistan (present day): Will the government of Afghanistan ratify the Convention for the elimination of all forms of Gender Discrimination against Women? (CEDAW)‏ Will women in Afghanistan be able to enjoy their rights to the full extension due to religious mandates? How long will it take for new government to respond to internally misplaced women-refugees?

4. Where is the primary region of focus? The primary focus of this problem lies within unstable governmental regions in Afghanistan. Because religion dictates any action in relation to law, the nation has no concept of the right of women. Although it may sound cliché, women are regarded as property. In an Afghan household, a man’s young son may often receive recognition and respect above a man’s wife.

5. What is RAWA? Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan Established in Kabul, Afghanistan 1977 Political/social organization of women fighting for equal rights and justice in Afghanistan The goal of RAWA is to increase the number of involved women in political and social positions in Afghanistan.

6. What is RAWA doing NOW? “ RAWA believes that freedom and democracy can’t be donated; it is the duty of the people of a country to fight and achieve these values. Under the US-supported government, the sworn enemies of human rights, democracy and secularism have gripped their claws over our country and attempt to restore their religious fascism on our people.”

7. What is RAWA doing NOW? RAWA rep. accepts Sixth Asian Human Rights Award Dec. 7, 2001. RAWA representative with Japanese supporters, March 16, 2004 Dec. 16, 2006: Situation of Human Rights in Afghanistan International Symposium

8. How can I help? Subscribe to RAWA’s mailing list so that you may stay informed about RAWA happenings worldwide! http://www.rawa.org/ml.htm

9. Sources Cited &quot;Women in Afghanistan.&quot; Women's Rights Resources Web.3 Jun 2009. <http://www.law-lib.utoronto.ca/diana/afghanwomen.htm>. &quot;About RAWA.&quot; Revolutionary Association of Women's Rights in Afghanistan Web.3 Jun 2009. <http://www.rawa.org/rawa.html >. &quot;Photo Album of RAWA Tours.&quot; Revolutionary Association of Women's Rights in AFghanistan Web.3 Jun 2009. <http://www.rawa.org/tours/tours.htm >.