Bam
The disastrous earthquake of Bam took Ashiané to Bam on December 2003. We did not have any experience with disaster; but past experience has shown that disasters, as horrible as they are, can actually provide an opportunity for development and social change. What these experiences have shown us is the need to give a voice and important role to women. In order for this to take place, a short as well as a long-term plan is needed. Both plans have to be rooted in a realistic assessment of people's needs, potential and life experiences. Women have to be in the center of this process for the reason that their empowerment will benefit their family and the community at large.

Our initial work in Bam transformed quickly to efforts to create and organize a women’s center there. The center is currently operating in a temporary structure. You can read about the activities of the center by following the Bam Update link. Our goal is to create a physical space that is built, run and maintained by the women of Bam. A space where women can assess their needs, come up with solutions, and then work to implement them.

A video describing the work in the center and the experience of the women in Bam was completed in March 2005 through a grant from GROOTS.