Afghan-American Women's Association

About Afghan-American Women's Association

Since its founding in 2009, the Afghan-American Women's Association has been a trusted community anchor for Afghan families navigating life in the Washington Metropolitan area. Co-founded by Shahla Azizi, Dr. Homaira Behsudi-Wali, Dr. Hosai Hesham, and Nillab Pazwhak, A-AWA emerged as a timely response to the growing needs of the local Afghan community, creating a safe harbor where individuals facing adversity receive sincere, steadfast support alongside culturally sensitive social services. The organization's mission centers on facilitating community integration while honoring the rich heritage and values that define Afghan culture. What distinguishes A-AWA is its unwavering commitment to nondiscriminatory, ethical service delivery grounded in deep respect for community dignity. Through its all-volunteer model, A-AWA has cultivated genuine trust with Afghan families, demonstrating that meaningful community transformation happens when members actively invest in one another's success. The organization's vision extends beyond immediate services—A-AWA aspires to establish a permanent Community Center that will serve as a structural foundation for coordinated cultural preservation, heritage celebration, and unified community empowerment. By bringing awareness to critical challenges and fostering dialogue around relevant issues, A-AWA breeds the resolution and unity necessary for Afghan families to reach their full potential as productive, integrated members of American society while maintaining their cultural identity.

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