Help Afghan Women Drive Toward Independence This Giving Tuesday
For most Americans, driving is a natural part of life. Over 91% of adult Americans are licensed to drive, giving them freedom to reach essential services, education, and employment. But for many Afghan women, both cultural restrictions and new resettlement challenges have prevented them from gaining this essential skill. Human Migration Institute’s (HMI) Women’s Equity Initiative is working to change that by providing driving lessons to Afghan women in Riverside County—a step that will allow them to navigate life in their new communities independently and with confidence.
Why This Matters
HMI currently supports a community where around 70% of Afghan women served are unable to drive. These women often face barriers to education, healthcare, and even routine activities like grocery shopping or picking up their children from school. Relying on husbands or HMI volunteers for every errand and appointment can make life unpredictable and limit their growth. In the words of Razmenda, one of the women hoping to participate in the program, “If I learn to drive, I will help my family… and it can inspire other women in the community to want to learn as well.”
This Giving Tuesday, HMI is raising $5,000 to fund driving lessons for 10 Afghan women. With our partner, the Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF), we aim to eliminate barriers to independence for these women through a program that covers driving instruction, licensing, and additional casework support.
The Challenges Afghan Women Face
In Afghan society, women are typically required to be accompanied by male relatives outside the home, making driving an uncommon skill. After the Taliban regained power in 2021, driving became virtually forbidden for women. Adjusting to a new life in California, they are eager to change this. Miriam Jordan, reporting in The New York Times, notes that Afghan women often avoid discussing gender empowerment; instead, their motivation is clear and practical: “Getting from point A to point B.” For many, learning to drive is about basic freedom, not only to support their families but to avoid missed medical appointments, and to reduce long, tiring walks in hot weather just to reach essential destinations.
Nayla, another hopeful participant in the program, explains how this limitation affects her family: “We’ve had a lot of problems because my husband is the only one who can drive. With six people in our family, it’s too much for just one person.” For Nayla, gaining a driver’s license means sharing responsibilities and easing the load on her family.
Our Partners and Program Support
IECF, a dedicated supporter of women’s equity in Riverside County, funds both a full-time caseworker and business initiative support as part of this broader Women’s Equity Initiative. HMI’s driving program supplements this by covering the direct costs of driving lessons and licensing for Afghan women. Each woman has expressed a desire not only to drive but to master it confidently. As future participant Husna said, “It’s difficult for most Afghan women to learn to drive by themselves… it will be a big help if someone helps them.”
Join Us for a Meal That Empowers
On Tuesday, December 3rd, you can support this mission in a delicious way: dine at California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) in the Riverside Plaza, mention HMI, and 20% of your meal will go toward driving lessons for these women. By simply enjoying a meal, you’re helping Afghan women take one step closer to the independence they deserve.
Together, We Can Create Lasting Change
This Giving Tuesday, help us empower Afghan women by providing them with more than mobility—we’re giving them the tools to build a new life and embrace freedom in ways previously unimaginable. As Arzo says, “It will help us to be independent and successful.” Every donation, every meal, and every bit of support contributes to changing lives in a meaningful way.