Despite efforts by the U.S. government, the United Nations, and others to improve the lives of women and girls in Afghanistan, most still do not enjoy even basic human rights. But you have the power to help them.

The Afghan Women Empowerment Act (S. 229), which was introduced by Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), would provide critical resources for Afghan women for:
   - Literacy education,
   - Technical and vocational training,
   - Health care services that would reduce maternal and infant mortality,
   - Programs to protect women and girls against sexual and physical abuse, abduction, trafficking and exploitation, and
   - Emergency shelters for women and girls who face danger from violence.

In recent months, attacks against schools that educate girls have increased substantially. As the U.S. works to foster democracy in Afghanistan, we must be vigilant in ensuring that women take their rightful place in Afghan society.

Please urge your senator to co-sponsor the Afghan Women Empowerment Act today, and give millions of women and girls a better chance in life.