2009 Afghan In-Country Class Graduates
May 6th, 2009 Posted by Catherine Neill
Peace through Business® 2009 In-Country Afghanistan Graduating Class
Manizha Wafeq, IEEW Instructor in Afghanistan and Peace through Business® 2007 alumni, sent photos and a report of the celebrated graduation of the Peace through Business®2009 In-Country students. Of the original 30 enrolled, 23 completed the curriculum developed by Northwood University.
Guest speakers for the event included the Director General of the Economic Empowerment Department of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MoWA), Mr. Kabir Haqjo, CEO of the Afghan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI), and Mrs. Guljan Zmarai, CEO of the Afghan Women Business Federation (AWBF) . Peace through Business® 2007 and 2008 graduates Kulsoom Hashimi, Amir Taj Sirat, Mushgan Wafiq, Kobra Zaifi, Soraya Ayoubi and Zainul Arab participated in the event by introducing guest speakers and handing out Certificates of Completion.
Mr. Haqjo awarding graduation certificates
Mr. Haqjo stressed women’s roles in economic, social and political activities as vital for a country because women are over 50% of the country’s population and if half of the population is strengthened and activated, it means economic productivity is increased and ultimately the country’s economic growth is accelerated. He also provided all information about ACCI’s services and membership information to the business owners.
Ms. Guljan Zmerai, CEO of AWBF emphasized women’s participation in the business area and encouraged women to set long-term goals for them to grow from small to large enterprises and provide employment to more men and women of this country and improve their livelihood.
Past graduates spoke to the class of their experiences including the importance of having long term vision when one starts a business (Mushgan); the follow-up by IEEW with graduates, continuing to address problems and provide support (Kulsoom Hashimi) and continuing encouragement and support to inspire graduates to be active (Amir Taj).
The event closed with refreshments. We are so proud of these women who want to be self-sufficient and provide leadership for their family and their country. We look forward to welcoming many of them to the United States in August!
