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, 2010
  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

Selected students travel to the U.S. for a weeklong high-level business training combined with leadership skills for qualifying students from Rwanda and Afghanistan.  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 States

  Our 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.

We invite you to participate!

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, 2010
  WHERE: Dallas, Texas, at the AT&T Center for Learning

  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 in later for registration information. Seating is limited. Registration is free and is first-come, first-served. For more information, visit our Summit page.

• Graduation/Gala
  WHEN: June 22, 2010
  WHERE: Dallas, Texas, at the AT&T Performing Arts Center

The 2010 Graduation/Gala is an evening to honor and celebrate our students’ success. This year’s graduation will be held on-stage at the AT&T Performing Arts Center in the Margot & Bill Winspear Opera House. Confirmed speakers include Afghan Ambassador to the U.S. Said Jawad, Rwanda Ambassador to the U.S. James Kimonyo, and AT&T Chairman and CEO Randall Stephenson. Invitation only.

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.