After the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021 and established the Islamic Emirate, Masuda Sultan, Sunita Viswanath, and Jazmine Shaw founded ABAAD: Afghan Women Forward to respond to the urgent needs of Afghan women and their families, especially survivors of domestic violence.

With the regime change, the withdrawal of foreign aid, and severe economic sanctions imposed by the United States and European countries, Afghan women now face an unprecedented set of challenges. They are grappling with homelessness, food insecurity, limited access to healthcare, and restricted educational and employment opportunities. Women make up half of Afghanistan’s population and have the potential to play a crucial role in rebuilding the country. ABAAD is dedicated to empowering Afghan women to lift their families and communities out of extreme poverty and hunger, with a particular focus on supporting survivors of domestic violence.

The founders of ABAAD—Sunita Viswanath, Masuda Sultan, and Jazmine Shaw—are an Indian American and two Afghan Americans who have worked for over two decades to champion women’s rights in Afghanistan. ABAAD is staffed by local Afghan women and men based in Afghanistan who are committed to the welfare and rights of the Afghan people, particularly women and girls. The organization has already identified dozens of women who were previously supported by other programs that have since been suspended.

ABAAD stands as a vital source of support and empowerment for Afghan women, helping them to secure a future where they can thrive and contribute to their society.