Introducing our Afghan 2012 PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS® Leadership Development Students!

These businesswomen are coming to the USA to partake in our “Business Boot Camp” at Northwood University in Texasand the International Women’s Economic Summit at the United States Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C.

NAME: Farah Deeba Karimi

BUSINESS: Afghan Women Global Engineering & Construction Company Limited

When Farah embarked into the workforce as an Afghan woman, she bravely chose to enter into the predominantly male fields of engineering and construction. Having moved back to Afghanistan from Pakistan after the political changes resulting from September 11, 2011, Farah continued her higher education at the engineering facility of Kabul University, where she received a B.A. in Architecture, and she pursued a Master’s degree after being offered a grant by the Italian government. Farah served as president of the Society of Afghan Women in Engineering and Construction (SAWEC) for one year. She is now working for the Dehsabz-Barikab City Development Authority in an urban planning position.

NAME: Lina SHAFAQ HASHIMY

BUSINESS: Life Skills Development Center (LDC)

Lina risked her life to work as a veterinarian with the German Afghan Foundation and to volunteer with other NGOs. She witnessed starving, poverty-stricken families unable to properly clothe themselves or heat their house. In the new environment in Afghanistan, Lina has had the opportunity to provide unskilled and illiterate women the training they need to help their families. Life Skills Development Center (LDC) offers programs which allow women and youth to become independent. Being able to give this kind of support makes Lina happy.

NAME: Lida SHAMS

BUSINESS: OB/GYN and Ultrasound Center

Never fleeing Afghanistan during the war, Lisa secured employment with an international organization as a health and nutrition coordinator, providing much-needed medical care to women. Lida found the job rewarding despite the violence and stress. Lida is most passionate about offering a comfortable medical environment for Afghan women, as most prefer to be examined by a female doctor, and provide courses for aspiring medical students.

NAME:Laila SAFI

BUSINESS:Balkh’s Women Exercise Center

During the time of the Taliban, medical services were poor, and Laila’s family was forced to go to Pakistan for her aunt to undergo surgery for cancer. Unfortunately, upon return to Afghanistan her aunt suffered a relapse and died. Laila had met several women who had overcome cancer, but all of these survivors lived outside of Afghanistan and had access to better healthcare and fitness centers. The loss of a loved one motivated Laila to establish a fitness center for women.

NAME:Storay SAYEED

BUSINESS:Tailoring and Business Management Course

Socially conscious Storay used the skills and knowledge she gained by working as a field associate with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and as a volunteer with both Women Unity for Rehabilitation and the Afghan Women’s Network to open her business Tailoring and Business Management Course.

NAME: Frozan RAHMANI

BUSINESS: Reflects Media and Communication Service

As a 17-year-old during the Taliban regime, Frozan taught at an underground school for girls and was involved with a provincial weekly publication. Frozan has continued her work in the media: she worked five years for Pajhwok Afghan News Agency as a Political and social Reporter, she has contributed to the annual report for the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) about the challenges facing Afghan journalists, is a freelance writer with The Human Rights Watch. Recently, Frozan established her own media publication.

NAME:Nazifa KARZAD

BUSINESS:Honey Packing and Marketing
Honey Packing and Marketing specializes in a growing industry in Afghanistan. Honey is a popular product in Afghanistan, and production, packing and marketing processes are being standardized. Nazifa is passionate about creating a stable and expansive business to continue to provide employment within the local community.

NAME: Kobra DASTGIRZADA

BUSINESS: Sisters Cultural and Sports Gathering (SCSG)

Recognizing a large number of women in Afghanistan had health problems combined with a weak understanding of their own rights and their role in society, Kobra was motivated to establish Sisters Cultural and Sports Gathering (SCSG). SCSG is a Social and Non-Governmental Organization which has the honor of serving Afghan women in different fields. SCSG has three main sections: vocational training, female fitness and a driving school. for women.

NAME: Freshta HAZEQ

BUSINESS: Royal Advertising and Printing Press

During her time as OXFAM’s ‘End Violence against Women’ campaign manager, Freshta frequently encountered issues with the advertising company OXFAM had hired. Using her own frustrations as inspiration for how to do things right, Freshta decided to open her own advertising and printing press company. Freshta also wanted to show women that there were other work opportunities available besides sewing and handicrafts.

NAME:Halima ABDUL HOSSAIN

BUSINESS:Sabz – Andishan Organization

As one of five children who spent their childhood dealing with the effects of war, Halima was determined to learn a trade benefiting the future of her country. Today she owns a greenhouse that produces saffron and vegetables. One goal Halima is most excited about is offering opportunities to other Afghan women to allow them to be economically strong.