Arzoo’s Plight

Arzoo gathered Afghan women together for community and empowerment for years.

A Quiet Member of the PFF Family

PFF is based in Southwestern Uganda, but it wasn’t always that way. We deepened our roots in Kasese because we saw the need that existed and the impact we could have. But before we found Kasese, we were on a journey that took us all over the world, and we made connections that will never break.

Laurie DeJong first came into the world of global women’s empowerment through an organization called Peace Through Business in 2009. She was matched with two mentees: Colombe in Rwanda and Arzoo in Afghanistan. Laurie’s connection to Colombe led her to help launch the first ever Kigali Fashion Week, the first Kampala Fashion Week, and other major events on the continent. Ultimately, it led her to Kasese.

Her connection with Arzoo was, and remains, just as strong. While the foundation didn’t become established in Afghanistan, PFF supported Arzoo’s growth as an entrepreneur and local leader. In close touch with Laurie, Arzoo opened a shop of her own. Inspired by the success of the PFF Sew School, Arzoo began teaching tailoring skills. It led to other developments: women came together in the safe space Arzoo provided, and in addition to sewing skills, they learned English and reading, and other life skills. Their children had a safe place to play. Women had a safe place to be.

Now that the Taliban has taken over Kabul, Arzoo and the women she mentored are afraid. The very principles that we have celebrated - women’s rights and independence - are values that now put them at risk. For over a decade Arzoo has been growing stronger, and now her strength could make her a target.

We at PFF are working to get Arzoo to safety, and also to connect all of the women she worked with to resources that can help them in these uncertain and frightening times. Contact us if you can help. We are all connected.