Women for Afghan Women: Shattering Myths and Claiming the Future
In the past year, many books have been compiled to address  Americans' general unawareness of Afghanistan and the plight of  its people. This one covers that vacuum by telling the story of  Afghan women through their own voices. Cofounder of the human  rights group Women for Afghan Women and director of grants at  the Sister Fund in New York City, Mehta has compiled essays from  a wide variety of women, both Afghan (Sima Wali, Saira Shah) and  American (Gloria Steinem, Angela King), who are active in human  rights and have personal experiences in Afghanistan. This  collection traces the history of Afghan women's rights and roles  through the latter decades of the last century. Several essays  delve into the respected role of women in the Muslim faith;  others discuss the ramifications of the Soviet invasion and  Taliban rule. The book concludes with essays on solutions for  the future and reasons for hope. This particularly well-written,  readable work provides timely insights and information about the  people of Afghanistan and the faith of Islam. Recommended in  addition to basic sources about the region.Deborah Bigelow,  Leonia P.L., NJCopyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.