Jehan Ara has nine children and is determined that they should go to school, but like many widows in #Afghanistan, faces pressure from her brothers-in-law to keep her girls at home. Her 14-year-old daughter missed out on primary education during the Taliban era. Eventually, Jehan enrolled her in literacy classes, where in four years she learned to read and write. She now does tailoring work at home, freeing her from dependency on her uncles. Still, learning was a terrible struggle, as male relatives beat both her and her mother for daring to send her to school. Once, they left the girl bleeding. "I kept her bloody clothes, but even so, I sent her to school the next day," said Jehan. The poultry project has brought her a measure of independence. "My chickens are my power," she said. "I provide everything for my children, so I tell (male relatives), 'What is your problem?' Now I am involved in making decisions about my own life." #WidowsDay Photo Credits: 2006 Rick Perera/CARE