2012 PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS® Program
Women all over the world are embracing the philosophy that an economically sound country has a much greater capacity for peace. The best way to develop economic stability is to build a solid middle class through the largest population demographic — WOMEN!
The Institute for Economic Empowerment of Women (IEEW) understands that financial stability is a slow process, but through training and mentorship, something very spectacular can happen — the transformation of war-torn countries that are in the rebuilding process.
The PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS® Program is a training program designed to provide long-term business education to women entrepreneurs in Afghanistan and Rwanda. Through our private partners, government agencies, and Institute staff, we provide a business education program in three phases: 1) In-Country Education, 2) Leadership Development, which includes Mentorship, an International Women’s Economic Summit, and Graduation, as well as 3) Pay it Forward.
1) In-Country Education
WHEN: January 28 through March 20, 2012
WHERE: Rwanda and Afghanistan
Basic business education will be taught over a period of eight weeks to 30 women in Rwanda and 30 women in Afghanistan. The coursework will culminate with the completion of an in-depth business plan. At the conclusion of the In-Country Education, each of the participants will be invited to apply for Leadership Development. Attendees will be selected based on the performance of their work in class, the evaluation of their business, and their potential to Pay Forward their education.
2) Leadership Development
WHEN: July 9-13, 2012
WHERE: Dallas, TX
Selected students travel to the United States for a weeklong high-level business training combined with leadership skills. Training builds upon itself, culminating in a written understanding of the obstacles standing in the students’ paths to success, as well as the students’ commitment for overcoming them.
Mentorship
WHEN: July 14-21, 2012
WHERE: Nationwide
Our students will be matched with an American woman business owner. They will live/work with that woman for a total of seven days. The purpose is to take all of the information the participants have learned and apply it in real-life scenarios. A secondary purpose is to develop a network of women who may become long-term mentors and potential business contemporaries and allies. It is our hope that both student and mentor will mutually benefit and that the relationship will continue long after the commitment to the PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS® program is satisfied.
Read testimonies from previous mentors.
It’s important to receive the formal business education and engage in high-level discussions, but implementing all of that information to real life scenarios is sometimes tricky. Managing the work/life balance while building a business is an art – and you have the opportunity to assist these young women entrepreneurs from Afghanistan and Rwanda to grow their business and build their country.
Click here to apply.
International Women’s Economic Summit
WHEN: July 23-24, 2012
WHERE: Washington, DC
A two-day conference focusing on the strength and contribution of women entrepreneurs in Afghanistan and Rwanda, the obstacles they face and free-economy solutions to peace.. Please check here later for the most current registration information.
Graduation
WHEN: July 24, 2012
WHERE: Washington, DC
The 2012 Graduation/Gala is an evening to honor and celebrate our students’ success.
3) Pay it Forward
WHEN: Upon students returning to their country
WHERE: Worldwide
The sustainability of this program rests in the desire and ability of each participant to pay forward her education to other women in her country. We will assist each participant with fulfilling this phase through various educational programs established in each country.
