The Afghan Women's Association International (AWAI) is a non-profit organization founded in 1992 for the purpose of establishing and defending the basic rights of Afghan women. AWAI is based in Fremont, California, home to thousands of Afghan-Americans. Rona Popal is the Executive Director and one of the founders of AWAI.

AWAI is also involved in the Afghan-American community in Fremont, California. We provide help to isolated elderly refugees and support community cultural events and projects.

For recent articles on AWAI efforts in Afghanistan and Pakistan, please see below. We also invite you to read our Who We Are section for background on AWAI. More information about our current projects can be found throughout our website.

Articles
National Women's Calendar Newsletter, September 2000

San Francisco Chronicle, Life-saving Afghan aid looking for a lift to Kabul
August 19, 2002

San Francisco Chronicle, Bay Area Afghan expatriates walk tightrope
June 17, 2002

Stories of Afghan American Women
May 16, 2002

San Francisco Magazine, "Among the Widows"
March 2002, (linked with permission)

San Jose Mercury News, "Rebuilding Afghanistan"
March 20, 2002

Joan Ryan column in the San Francisco Chronicle,
"Women hold the key to Kabul's future"
March 31, 2002

Ardent advocate for U.S. Afghans
San Francisco Chronicle, January 7, 2002



Recognition
Rona Popal, Afghan Women's Association Internation, Women's Fund International Award

California State Assembly Resolution recognizing the contributions made by the Afghan-American community to the State of California. Present by Assembly Member John A. Dutra on March 22, 2002

Commendation by United States Senator Barbara Boxer for volunteer efforts with the American Friends Service Committee in coordinator blanket drives for the people of Afghanistan.