Despite being one of the most developed provinces of Afghanistan, Herat province is still dominated by a very conservative and patriarchal mindset, together with a high incidence of domestic violence and misogynistic ideas, which deeply affect the chance of women to access formal justice and to claim their rights. In order to protect and promote women’s rights, VWO has been implementing a project that aim to improve access to justice for survivors and those at risk of facing gender-based violence and provide legal aid and support to vulnerable people, particularly women.

In general terms, the Project was able to achieve all of its goals, even if there is still space for improvement. In detail, the WPC offered protection and support, such as medical assistance, legal support, cloths, food etc. to women who have been victims of violence or are at risk of suffer it and to their children. Additional services, such as vocational trainings, literacy classes and legal awareness sessions have also contributed to empower women, providing them with life-long skills that will strengthen their chance of becoming self-sufficient once they leave the facility. According to the survivors, the services provided were 100% efficient, of very good quality and offered by a skilled and committed workforce. Thanks to the psychological support given to women, together with a forward-thinking approach aiming to giving them spendable skills, women felt their confidence has been boosted, together with the awareness on their rights. Such impressive results have been possible thanks to a deep and fruitful collaboration and communication with relevant stakeholders (especially government officials and the justice system) and a committed and reliable workforce.