| October 22 event will bring together supporters, advocates and community members for an evening celebrating Afghan women and families, culture and 25 years of impact |
| WHAT: Women for Afghan Women (WAW) will host its 2026 HER Gala on Thursday, October 22 in Brooklyn, celebrating the organization’s 25th anniversary and decades of work supporting Afghan women, children, families and communities in the United States and Afghanistan. Centered around WAW’s Invest in HER movement, the evening will celebrate Hope, Empowerment and Resilience while highlighting the organization’s continued investment in Health, Education and Resettlement. The evening will feature refreshments, a traditional Afghan dinner catered by Eat Offbeat Cafe, DJ entertainment, a silent auction, personal stories highlighting WAW’s impact and a traditional Attan dance to close out the celebration. WHO: Yelda Ali, Women for Afghan Women Board Member and DJ, will serve as emcee for the evening. Yelda is a Brooklyn-based artist, author, and activist, known for women’s rights and mental health advocacy. She is bilingual and multi-disciplinary. Her work focuses on identity, safety, and community. Yelda is a celebrated voice of the Afghan diaspora, sharing stories of her culture and upbringing. Afghan DJ Mariam will provide live musicBehnoosh Behtar, a WAW Ambassador and Columbia University student will help organize the traditional Attan dance closing out the evening.Women for Afghan Women leadership, board members, supporters, community members and partners will also be in attendance. WHEN: Thursday, October 22, 2026 6:00 – 9:00 PM – Event Timing 5:30 PM – Media Check-In 6:00–7:00 PM – Guest Check-In, Cocktail Hour & Media Interviews 6:00–8:00 PM – Silent Auction 7:00 PM – Program Begins WHERE: 26 Bridge 26 Bridge Street Brooklyn, NY 11201 WHY: For 25 years, Women for Afghan Women has worked to protect and promote the rights of Afghan women, girls and families. Today, WAW has over 250 employees globally, operates in approximately 22 provinces in Afghanistan, and has reached more than one million people through its programs and services. WAW’s work includes domestic violence support, children’s services, literacy and education, legal assistance, mental health support and other critical services in Afghanistan and the United States. Approximately 90% of donations directly support WAW’s core services. The annual HER Gala brings the community together to celebrate that impact while generating support for WAW’s continued work. TICKETS & INFORMATION: Individual tickets and sponsorship opportunities are currently available. https://secure.qgiv.com/event/hergala2026/ ABOUT WOMEN FOR AFGHAN WOMEN: Women for Afghan Women is a grassroots organization dedicated to protecting and promoting the rights of Afghan women, girls, and families. With community centers in New York and Virginia, and a strong foundation of work across Afghanistan, WAW provides direct services, including case management, legal support, counseling, educational programs, and youth leadership initiatives, rooted in cultural competence and gender equality. Through advocacy, education, and empowerment, WAW works to ensure that Afghan women and girls can rebuild their lives with dignity and lead change in their communities. |