Voices of Women (VOW) is an American (based in California) nonprofit organization that raises awareness and takes action on global issues, and advances the cause of non-military solutions to global conflicts. VOW, founded in 2001, also helps organizations around the world that help women and children in difficult conditions.

Projects include documentary films, panel discussions, dramatic theater productions, contacting Congressional representatives, signing petitions, writing letters to editors of publications, and other activities to raise awareness.

One specific program is the Afghanistan Project that assists the Afghan Women’s Education Center which provides health, education, peace education and socio-economic projects to assist the women and children in Afghanistan. Funds donated by Voices for Women in Afghanistan have been used for literacy programs and for two children’s centers for working street children.

Children in these Afghanistan ’centers’ are of 8 to 18 years of old and are identified as the only source of income for their families. These children are typically working in shops, selling on the street or begging. The school curriculum allows them to advance three grades in one year and eventually enter regular government schools. Medical aid, crisis counseling and recreational programs are offer to the children.

VOW also raises funds for other organizations such as Save The Children, Women for Women International, the United Nations Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women, and other organizations that share the goals of VOW.

More information on donating or program activities can be found on their website.