Dear friends,
There are days when the fear is too loud to ignore—when the uncertainty of what will happen, to us or to those we care for, sits heavy in the chest. This week has brought such days.
Across Pakistan, Afghan women human rights defenders are facing police raids, sudden arrests, deportation, and impossible choices. Many live with the constant fear of being deported to the Taliban regime they fled—some after being imprisoned, others having crossed borders illegally to survive.
This week has brought both challenges and hope. And your continued support is making a real difference.
💬 Sitting with the fear of death
This work brings us face-to-face with fear. Not abstract fear, but real fear—for life, for safety, for dignity. And yet, we walk with it. As Rumi wrote:
“Why should I fear? When was I less by dying?”
Fear, we’ve learned, is not the enemy—it is a signal that something precious is at stake. And it reminds us that even in the darkest moments, we are more than we know.
🌍 Conversations that can change lives
We’re working closely with partners to open a constructive dialogue with the Brazilian government about the current requirement for a criminal record certificate.
For women and women rights defenders who fled persecution, returning to the regime they escaped for documentation is not a safe or realistic option. That’s why we are also seeking support from UNHCR and international actors to explore more flexible, protection-centered approaches. We believe these conversations can make a difference.
🌟 This Week’s Highlights
💰 Swiss foundation steps forward
We’re incredibly grateful to a Swiss foundation, which has pledged CHF 150,000 (~USD180,000) to support unaccompanied women and vulnerable families. This funding will cover transfer, housing, and one year of care in Brazil. Thank you Foundation Board, for your trust and humanity. You have no idea what difference this has made for our group! People are including you in their prayers at night.
📰 In the Media – Le Monde
This week, we were interviewed by Le Monde, one of France’s leading newspapers. Sharing these stories helps challenge harmful systems and reminds the world that these women are not alone.
💬 A Voice from the Group
One woman captured the reality so clearly the requirement of the Brazilian government for the WHRD's to have valid Pakistani visa:
“Brazil doesn’t understand that if we had special status in Pakistan, we wouldn’t have been deported from there in the first place.”
These aren’t just bureaucratic issues—they’re deeply human ones.
🙌 What you’ve made possible
Almost 500,000 voices have signed the petition.
Donations have helped fund legal efforts and urgent support.
Messages from around the world continue to offer strength and solidarity.
If each of one of you donates USD 3, we have all the funding we need. Please give via https://www.foodforthought.care/emergencyfund
✨ One more way to help
We are also seeking funders, sponsors, and allies who can walk even further with us:
💠 Could you or your organization sponsor a woman or family?
💠 Would you consider helping fund their safe relocation and care?
💠 Or even adopt a family—supporting them throughout their first year in Brazil?
Each USD 15,000 helps cover the journey, housing, and care for one small family: mother, father, and 2 children. The process is in place—we just need the means to carry it through.
If you’re able to support, or know someone who might be, please contact us at sendlove at heartwork dot earth. We’ll walk with you every step of the way.
Let us keep walking, together.
Let us keep opening, even when it’s hard.
And let us remember: we are more than we know.
Much gratitude,
Nadja & Team
#SaveAfghanWomen #ProtectAfghanWomen #AdoptAFamily #NoDeportations