Refugee Support Groups in Austin Work on Closing Cultural Gaps to Empower Afghan Women
Austin American-Statesman
by Luz Moreno-Lozano
September 6, 2022
“On a rainy Tuesday afternoon, Marjana sat on a black leather couch in a North Austin apartment filled with Afghan women making tea and preparing snacks for their weekly get-together.
“Several other women took up the the rest of the couch and another sofa in the living room, which is covered in rugs and several floor cushions that the women sewed themselves.
“Marjana said the gathering is one of the few places she feels at home and most comfortable. It’s also where she gets the most socialization. Most other days she’s home alone, especially when her husband is away for work and her two sons are in school.
““Marjana asked that her last name be kept private because the fear of retribution from religiously strict Afghan men persists, even after resettling in Austin four years ago with her husband and two children. She said the challenges and barriers facing new refugees are still very much present in her life. ‘I really like it here because there are several other (Afghan) families nearby and they make me feel at home, but I really miss my family,’ she said, adding that she spends her days cooking for her family and sewing, which she enjoys.
“Many Afghan women, refugees like Marjana, told the American-Statesman that they struggle with isolation — a feeling fueled mostly by language and cultural barriers — while also reaping the joys of being in the United States, away from the Taliban.
“Whether the family came to Austin a year ago or five years ago, each person is different, and the South Asian International Volunteer Association and Global Impact Initiative have teamed up to understand the concerns and needs of women and their families, and how best to help them.
“‘Even though many of these women have been here for a few years, they are not very integrated into the (American) culture,’ said Safaa Al Mahamid, deputy executive director for the South Asian International Volunteer Association. ‘They still feel like they just arrived here, and it's not much different for them because they have some barriers here like language.’
“She said the culture gap discourages many women from leaving their homes or even going shopping, further isolating them. Because the women are still very unfamiliar with the culture, they have a lot of fears and concerns for themselves and their children, especially the girls.
“‘There is just not enough help,’ Al Mahamid said. ‘There are so many programs and support needed so these families can be successful and learn English.’
“Before the collapse of Afghanistan's government in August 2021, many Afghan families were already moving to the United States in search of a safer and better life. Many men worked for the Afghanistan military or the American government as translators, teachers and security personnel — associations that made it unsafe for them to stay in their home country after the Taliban took over again.
“The return of the Taliban in August 2021 created an influx of Afghan families who settled across the United States. In Austin, more than 1,000 Afghan refugees have been resettled over the past year. More than 20,000 refugees from more than 30 countries have been resettled in Texas since 1978, according to Refugee Services of Texas.
“Refugee support groups have been offering one-on-one and small-group mentoring for refugee women, classes on technology, yoga and mediation sessions, and English classes. Ultimately, the women will get professional training, resources and more socialization, thus reducing the cultural disconnect and feeling of isolation.
“Several Austin organizations have also been resettling refugees with furnished housing and helping them navigate the health care, education, transportation and immigration systems. In March, a North Austin church partnered with local businesses to help new arrivals find jobs at places such as Smokey Mo’s BBQ and Borden Dairy Co.
Working outside the home
“But women are often left out of this process because of cultural barriers. Anjum Malik, executive director for Global Impact Initiative, said many women have never worked outside their home or carried their own money, which is the custom in Afghanistan.
“In Afghanistan, Zarifa Hamide worked security with the Afghan Army — she was one of the few in the group who worked outside her home in Afghanistan. But when the country collapsed in August 2021, she fled with her daughter, leaving everything behind. Her sons are still there.
“Hamide knew that she would need to work again after arriving in Austin, and she got a job at a nearby hotel doing laundry with the help of her granddaughter, who was helping her translate. But with school back in session, Hamide can only work weekends, when her granddaughter can help her translate.
“She also was recently diagnosed with diabetes and has leg pain that keeps her from standing too long. She hopes to find a tailoring job so she can sit and sew from home.
“Several other women in the group expressed similar desires to work, including in a restaurant or a warehouse, in addition to getting an education. But lacking a firm grasp of English holds them back.
“Malik said Global Impact Imitative continues to partner with community organizations to help refugees find permanent work. It's a little easier to find work for the men, she said, because many of them speak a bit of English from their time working in Afghanistan.
“The women, however, need more time to adjust, learn a new language and learn about the culture.
“Malik said the Global Impact Initiative connects the women with one another and helps them capitalize on their skills. Several of the women are great seamstresses, she said, so she connects them with local cleaners and alteration businesses, which allow them to use their sewing skills working from home.
“Al Mahamid said the South Asian International Volunteer Association hosts social activities every Friday and started a community connection program online so the women can interact.
“‘We try to empower the women and help them advocate for themselves so their voice can be heard,’ Al Mahamid said.”
