ARRO-USA honors Afghan women on International Women’s Day

Contributed by Laurie Callahan, UCP Board clerk and ARRO Board secretary

Alaha Ahrar (left) and well-known Afghan singer Latifa Azizi were among those who shared on

National Women's Day in Reston for Afghanistan Refugee Rescue Organization. Photos contributed by ARRO-USA

Women from across the Washington, D.C., area gathered at United Christian Parish in Reston on Sunday, March 8, to celebrate International Women’s Day with the Afghanistan Refugee Rescue Organization (ARRO-USA). The event offered a space to share experiences, discuss challenges and explore opportunities for building a life in the U.S.

Speakers highlighted stories of resilience and determination. Master of ceremonies Hamida Arash, president of Arash Fashion, spoke about the severe restrictions women face in Afghanistan and how she built a successful business in the U.S.

Alaha Ahrar, president of International Kindness Sharing, emphasized the importance of education and work for women’s empowerment. “If women are educated, families will flourish, and if women are able to work, society will flourish,” she said. Attendees also shared personal stories of women who shaped their lives, including mothers, teachers and mentors.

Guests reflected on the challenges of adjusting to life in the U.S. Palwasha Azimi, who moved to the U.S. in 1993, described adapting to a new culture as her biggest hurdle. An asylum seeker, who asked to be called Nooria, spoke about the difficulty of starting over as a refugee and building a community while facing language barriers.

Anne Hochstrasser, a retired Fairfax County social work supervisor, offered guidance on government and nonprofit resources to help new arrivals navigate resettlement.

The evening included an Iftar dinner after sunset during Ramadan and a performance by Afghan singer Latifa Azizi, whose songs invited audience participation. Several husbands attended to support their wives and daughters, along with Sayed Makhdoom Raheen, former Afghan Minister of Information and Culture, and many American friends.

Sediqa Khalili, vice president of ARRO-USA, introduced the Voice of Afghan Women Initiative, which aims to advocate for women’s rights and build community support. Bilal Ahmad Niazi, president of ARRO-USA, closed the evening by announcing new partnerships with Arash Fashion, Mantu Halal Food Company, and International Kindness Sharing to strengthen social, economic and cultural support for Afghan women.

The celebration highlighted resilience, hope, and the power of community in empowering Afghan women in the U.S.