The National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs (NFBPWC) have begun outreach and support to welcome the displaced women arriving from Afghanistan. The immediate goal of the Afghan Women Project is fundraising to provide much-needed clothing. This is part of a larger endeavor aimed at helping the women integrate rapidly into our American way of life through mentoring, advocacy, allyship, and acculturation initiatives. NFBPWC will open paths to professional business resources and provide practical assistance and mentoring to those who seek career and business advice. Our practical intervention is aimed to fill a gap in government resettlement services.

“As visas are processed and the women wait to be resettled, we are hearing first-hand what we can do to help. Most displaced Afghans left wearing only the clothing on their backs. Although the women have access to clothing and supplies at U.S. military base retail centers, the clothing designed for female military personnel is inappropriate for those who practice hijab (modest clothing). We are on a mission to elevate the needs of these women” said Megan Shellman-Rickard, President of NFBPWC. Donations to the project will be accepted through a fundraising campaign which is open until October 31, 2021. To donate, please visit https://www.nfbpwc.org/Donate.

The NFBPWC was founded in 1919. In 1930 Dr. Lena Madesin Phillips, a co-founder of the NFBPWC, founded the International Federation of Business and Professional Women. NFBPWC is a national network of Business and Professional Women with the objectives of developing professional, business and leadership potential for all women. We advocate for the equal participation of women and men in power and decision-making roles. Former NFBPWC members are pioneers of the women’s equality movement and include four first ladies of the United States, a US Supreme Court Justice, authors and esteemed business leaders. For more information about NFBPWC, please visit nfbpwc.org.