2010 PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS®
Welcome to the 2010 PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS information section.
The Overview
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.
PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS 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 and an International Women’s Economic Summit, and 3) Pay it Forward.
The Timeline
1) In-Country Education
WHEN: February 1, – March 26, 2010
WHERE: Rwanda and Afghanistan
2) Leadership Development
WHEN: June 7 – 11, 2010
WHERE: Dallas, Texas
- Mentorship
WHEN: June 12 – 18, 2010
WHERE: Throughout the United States
- International Women’s Economic Summit
WHEN: June 21 – 22, 2009
WHERE: Dallas, Texas
- Graduation/Gala
WHEN: June 22, 2010
WHERE: TBD
3) Pay it Forward
WHEN: Upon students returning to their country
WHERE: Worldwide
The Details
1) In-Country Education
WHEN: February 1, – March 26, 2010
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: June 7 – 11, 2010
WHERE: Dallas, Texas
The 30 women who have been selected to travel to the United States will engage in a series of in-depth discussions with leading experts on specific business topics and leadership skills at Northwood University. The sessions at Leadership Development are designed to not only enhance the students’ businesses, but also to teach the participants to be leaders in their community and country. The training builds upon itself culminating in a written understanding of the obstacles standing in the students’ paths to success, and the students’ commitment for overcoming them.
- Mentorship
WHEN: June 12 – 18, 2010
WHERE: Throughout the United StatesOur 30 students will be matched with an American woman business owner and 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 PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS 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 some times 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: June 21 – 22, 2009
WHERE: Dallas, TexasLeaders from many NGOs and government agencies around the country will be invited to attend and participate in conversations on economic development in Afghanistan and Rwanda, and how our students can contribute to the attainment of their country’s economic goals. This two-day conference focuses on the strengths and contributions of women entrepreneurs in Afghanistan and Rwanda, the obstacles they face, and the free economy solutions to peace. Anyone is welcome to attend the Summit. Please check here in later for registration information.
- Graduation/Gala
WHEN: June 22, 2010
WHERE: TBD
The 2010 Graduation/Gala is still in its planning stages, but our 2009 graduation featured Mrs. Laura Bush as the keynote speaker. Check here for updates!
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 their country. We will assist each participant to fulfill this phase through various educational programs established in each country.
Click here for a complete PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS Informational Packet
Click here for a detailed 2010 PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS timeline.
