The Afghan Women's Mission was founded in January 2000 in response to the compelling need for adequate hospital facilities in Afghan refugee camps in Pakistan. The Mission's most immediate goal is to fund projects run by Afghan women's organizations which address the desperate health care needs of the Afghan refugees. The first project of the Afghan Women's Mission was to reestablish the Malalai Hospital in Pakistan which was in operation for 10 years serving Afghan refugees before being shut down due to lack of funds. We have since helped RAWA transition Malalai Hospital to Malalai Clinic in Khewa refugee camp, and have expanded our operations to encompass specific projects to promote education, orphanages, emergency relief and awareness building among Afghans.

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

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

The Afghan Women's Mission is a project of IHC, (International Humanities Center)*. The projects of the Afghan Women's Mission depend entirely on committed donors to fund humanitarian and educational projects which aim to alleviate the lives of Afghan refugees. In order to help sustain the projects that are begun, it is important to emphasize regular donations or monthly pledges. The AWM's greatest challenge is to ensure that projects once begun are sustained. Use the pledge form included with this kit to encourage people to commit monthly donations. All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. For donors who wish to know the TAX ID# for AWM/IHC, it is 33-0767921.