The Afghan Women's Mission

The Afghan Women's Mission was founded in response to the compelling need for adequate hospital facilities near Afghan refugee camps in Pakistan. Our first undertaking was the re-opening of the Malalai Hospital in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. This flagship project was effectively started in late 2001. In 2005, Malalai Hospital was transitioned into Malalai Clinic in Khewa refugee camp.

Broadly speaking, the objectives of the Afghan Women's mission fall into three categories:

Health Care: establish and operate free health centers serving primarily Afghan women and children. Education and Empowerment: support schools and other programs for Afghan refugees to alleviate emotional suffering and decrease illiteracy and joblessness; and to empower Afghan women to build sustainable livelihoods. Awareness: conduct campaigns to increase public awareness on women's and human rights and related issues in Afghanistan and Afghan refugee camps.

Board of Directors

Sonali Kolhatkar
Sonali is host and co-producer of a one hour daily radio show called Uprising on KPFK (90.7 fm in Los Angeles and 98.7 fm in Santa Barbara), a listener-sponsored community radio station, which is part of the Pacifica network. Sonali's radio show airs from 8 am to 9 am weekdays and is a public affairs political news magazine. Sonali is also a spokesperson for the Afghan Women's Mission and speaks widely on college campuses, community fora, and conferences. She also pursues social, activist and artistic endeavors which include web design, political writing and organizing, song writing and singing, painting and cooking. Her most recent articles can be found on her web site.

James Ingalls
Jim is a staff scientist at Caltech's Spitzer Space Telescope Science Center. He manages AWM's monthly pledge program. As a graduate student, he spent four months at the South Pole, and he returned with a greater appreciation for humanity. Jim has written on a number of political issues. His latest articles can be found on his web site.

Martha J. Heil
Martha Heil, the press manager for the Afghan Women's Mission, is intent on supporting the continuing fight for women's rights. She has spoken at Los Angeles-area colleges on behalf of RAWA. An aspiring science writer, Heil likes nature and books. She currently resides in Washington, DC.

Management

Heather Schreck Community Relations Manager
Heather began volunteering for AWM, driven by her passion for social activism and women's rights. Heather currently works for HBO and loves every minute of it. But, her ultimate dream is to create independent film projects on different social issues. In her spare time she picks up and opens AWM mail, sorts donations and helps with donor outreach. She also volunteers her time tabling for AWM at local events.