International women's day

11.06.29am GMT Tue 9th Mar 2010

On International Women's Day Sal Brinton, Watford's Parliamentary Candidate visited an exhibition of rugs made in workshops in Kabul by young women at Bushey and Oxhey Methodist Church. The workshops are supported by ASHRAM International, a charity based in Oxhey, which gives girls and young women the opportunity to learn a trade, and, importantly, how to support themselves throughout their lives.

Sal said: 'These charities are vital for the women and communities. The girls taught a trade, they are given meals and medical assistance and education, and then the rugs are sold in Habitat, John Lewis and other large retailers.'

There was also an exhibition of Afghan hand embroidered dresses, including a stunning wedding dress.

ASHRAM has been running for 12 years, and is really making a difference to the lives of women in Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal. You can see more of the work of ASHRAM at www.ashraminternational.org.