Welcome to A-AWA
The very existence of A-AWA responds to the growing needs of the Afghan Community in the Washington Metropolitan area. Our organization provides a safe harbor for social and cultural services, along with steadfast support for adversity. Bringing awareness to critical challenges fosters resolution and unity.
Ms. Shahla Azizi co-founded A-AWA with Dr. Homaira Behsudi-Wali, Ms. Nillab Pazwhak, and Dr. Hosai Hesham. The Afghan American Women’s Association received Non-Profit charitable status in April 2009 under Virginia state law and operates under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code.
A-AWA connects the Afghan-American community to the mainstream through its Life and Cope educational program, providing a professional networking platform while preserving dignity and culture. As an all-volunteer organization, A-AWA ensures services are offered with professionalism, fairness, and cultural sensitivity, steadily earning community trust while upholding strong principles.
Volunteering in your community gives you a chance to give back. You’ll feel a sense of pride that you are volunteering your time and will in return cultivate a more dynamic, integrative community helping Afghan families become productive members of their community.
You can help make a difference! Make a donation to A-AWA today. Your donation can provide valuable resources to Life and Cope Program and A-AWA’s Emergency Response Fund set for most vulnerable Afghan families.
Join us! With the trusted support of our members, we can continue to create a culture where our community would flourish and cultivate resources and connections for new refugee families.
Volunteering in your community gives you a chance to give back. You’ll feel a sense of pride that you are volunteering your time and will in return cultivate a more dynamic, integrative community helping Afghan families settle into their new communities.
You can help make a difference! Make a donation to A-AWA today. Your donation can provide valuable resources to the families of refugees and domestic violence victims.
Join us! With the trusted support of our members, we can continue to create a culture where there is zero tolerance for domestic violence and cultivate resources and connections for refugees.
Our Work
The Life & Cope Program is the first initiative in our community to work on our self-growth, self-esteem, mental & emotional well-being & learning about professional techniques to deal with our life challenges. This is like laying the seeds for a stronger and healthier community in future.
A-AWA's role is to welcome new families in America & other refugees to the Afghan community & offer some basic support by finding volunteers to arrange for home visits, helping with family's needs related to school issues, parenting, budgeting, job search, health & nutrition.
A-AWA GAK is the youth group of A-AWA, focused on expanding the organization’s social media presence and leading projects that support Afghan youth. Their initiatives include connecting youth in the U.S. with peers in Afghanistan through the Pen Pal Project, fostering cultural exchange and understanding.
Humanitarian
Programs
You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.
Updates and News
A-AWA announces upcoming Annual Event
Join us for A-AWA’s highly anticipated Annual Event, celebrating Afghan heritage and community support. Stay tuned for updates on event details and how to participate.
Successful aid distribution in Afghanistan for Afghan families
A-AWA proudly delivered essential aid to Afghan families in need, ensuring support reaches the most vulnerable. This effort reflects our commitment to making a difference on the ground.
A-AWA's recent Life & Cope event
The Life & Cope event empowered participants with tools for resilience and well-being amidst life’s challenges. A heartfelt thank you to all attendees and organizers for creating a supportive space.