On May 11, 2008 we organized and gathered at the Herat women’s jail to honor the 80 women inmates and their children on this Mother’s Day.  Life has humbled these women through cultural gender discrimination and the violence inflicted upon them and their children and now most severely by placing them in jail for reasons no one really is clear about.

However, that day we gathered to honor them by giving them our love, respect and a venue to voice their stories.  The prison system usually very cooperative seemed very anxious this day and requested that we not take any photos or video.  The conditions here seem worse than several years ago according to Suraya and my observations.  It feels as times get harder in the country that those who have the least suffer even more.

The water system installed two years ago is very good and still much appreciated.  The Commander liked us and hopes we can help again by building shelters at the male jail to giver cover from the sun and rain to the thousands of visitors that stand in large open courtyards each day awaiting to visit with their family members in the jail.  They appreciated our efforts and help and this allowed us to spend time with the women in jail. 
As Suraya says these improvements we offer allow us to get inside, see what’s happening, offer suggestions for improvements and give the women encouragement that we care, notice them and let them know that we have not abandoned them.

The Commander stretched the rules and allowed me to take some photos but very little video as the women were cautious but agreeable.  We stood in a large circle and we spoke to one another about motherhood, violence, equality, hope and love for one another.  Some mothers cautiously told their stories of losing their children to kidnappers, violence and brutal beatings.

Some were grateful to have their children here.  Others expressed sadness and despair of being imprisoned and losing their children.  They spoke of their hopes to be released and to try to recover their lives, their children, their respectability.  Some spoke of learning a trade in jail but the programs are weak and without the ability to make money they cannot be released so easily and certainly have little opportunities when they are released.

Some of their eyes were wide open almost startled in disbelief, some wept, others covered their faces but others eyes showed a sign of hope and faith in humanity.  They have been so humbled through unfair labor laws and cultural practices imposed upon them.  Yet, with all this inequality they are choosing to live and they keep trying to honor their divine life especially for their children.

We brought gifts for the moms and children, those things Suraya’s office staff thought would be most needed and appreciated.  They were so excited as their energy rose as if the veils were removed and the smiles and voices were given freedom.  It was beautiful and felt deep within each soul for they had been noticed, the stories of their lives acknowledged and honored and their faith in choosing life reinforced by us and in the same way, we shared the same feeling about ourselves.

Blessed are these women that share a greater burden in the world for the suffering brought about by inequality and injustice and for the deep sorrow of violence they have endured as mothers.  We honor you and pray for you daily!