THE INSTITUTE FOR ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN

P E A C E T H R O U G H B U S I N E S S
Economic Empowerment of Women Worldwide
2007 Success Story

Imagine a small framed, 21 year old beautiful Afghan woman, who has never known her home country to be anything but war and violence, make this astounding comment to Ambassador Karen Hughes when asked about what she’s learned while in the United States:

“I focused my studies on economics while I was in the US and I have decided that the free market system and capitalism is the way to build a (free) country.”

These are remarkable words that describe the mission and the ultimate success of IEEW’s (formerly WIPP Institute) Peace through Business 2007 program.

The women arrived in the United States on August 9, 2007 after a long journey that started months prior to departing Kabul. The preparation process was meticulous, the flight was extremely long and tiring, but the anticipation of what they knew they would learn was well worth all the trouble and time away from their families.

Being on the campus of Northwood University was a beautiful experience considering it is nestled in the middle of a forest – a sight not readily available to Afghans. The curriculum was put together and administered by Professor John Amin, Afghan-American, who received his degree from Kabul University and staff member at Northwood for over 20 years. Dr. Amin and the women spent every day together learning about world economics, sound business practices, and developing a comprehensive business plan.

Learning in a class is needed and valuable, but the other side of the coin is practical application in the real world. The Afghan students lived with American women business owners for a week to immerse themselves in best practices and marketing. This mentorship resulted not only in rounding out their learning experience but also in developing friendships that cross the vast distance between the two countries.

After completing all their course work and finalizing their business plans, the women graduated from Northwood University and traveled to Washington DC . While there, they met with appropriate organizations, State Department officials, and the highlight of their trip was a meeting with the First Lady of the United States. Mrs. Bush told the women that the United States stands with them and as they build their businesses, they build their country.

Putting them on the plane back home was an exciting and bittersweet event. On one hand, very close friendships and bonds were established between each other and we knew the possibility of seeing each other again in person was remote. However, the enthusiasm and knowledge these women take home with them will grow log-rhythmically as they pay forward that which they have learned.

Stabilizing the Afghan economy is the path to personal freedom and democracy for the millions of people that live there. Empowering the largest population of that country, women, is a major step in achieving that goal. A wonderful bonus to the entrepreneurial training is the desire that was instilled in them to develop a real democracy in their country.

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