Anita's Story

Hello friends and family. We are organizing this fundraiser for our new friend, Anita. Anita is 22 years old and fled from Afghanistan about four months ago, arriving in CT as a refugee. She is now 36 weeks pregnant with her first child, and alone in the United States. We are hoping that, through the generosity of our community, we will be able to raise enough money to buy a plane ticket and cover immigration expenses for her husband to join her in the US in time for the birth of their child. Once his Special Immigration Visa is approved, Anita's husband will be able to join her in the US, with our help. Any additional funds raised will be used to support their early days as parents with supplies such as diapers, baby clothes, formula, and medical expenses in their new home. It is so important that Anita has her husband with her for the birth of her child so that she does not have to do it alone. She has taken the time to introduce herself and her story below. We hope that you consider contributing to her cause, and thank you so much for your generosity.

-Dee, Sophia, Laura, & Fereshteh

“My name is Anita and I belong to one of the provinces of Afghanistan. I have been in the US since March 2023. Currently living in Connecticut, my story is bittersweet. When I was about 10 years old, I started working outside the home in a city where studying for girls is a shame. It was considered a disgrace for the family. My father was progressive in his thinking and my first job was working with him in a shop. As a school graduate, I worked as a presenter and announcer in one of the media outlets. For four years this was my life. I graduated from school, said goodbye to the world of media, and started working in the provincial government office. Although I was not old enough for this duty, my love and support for my father made me do this. Additionally, I worked on large projects which involved working with orphans and other people in need of services. During this time, the Taliban took power. This forced me to flee my home for safety. Afghan lives were in danger. When the Taliban entered Afghanistan and took over power, I received successive warnings from them. As a repressive misogynistic group, they were looking for me to find me and kill me, so these warnings made me leave Afghanistan suddenly and secretly. I found an opportunity to immigrate to the United States; this was my chance to escape. I first fled to Pakistan. I crossed the border with thousands of fears and disappointments and waited six months for the US to issue me a visa. During these six months, my father and husband were arrested and tortured by the Taliban. These were very difficult days, made more complicated yet hopeful as I was also pregnant with my first child. Now I am here in the US weeks away from giving birth, and I am living alone. I am lucky in so many ways and wish for my husband to be here for the birth of our son. Americans are known for their generosity and I ask you to please make a donation to help me buy baby items and a plane ticket for my husband. With your help, we will prevail. Inshallah.”

-Anita