Afghan women now have a place to network with business contacts, accelerate their business development, learn finance and contribute to the growing Afghan economy at the International Center for Afghan Women's Economic Development (ICAWED) on the campus of the American University of Afghanistan (AUAF), which was inaugurated on Saturday.
U.S. Ambassador Tina Kaidanow was joined by University, ICAWED officials as well as Afghan business women, students and faculty to officially dedicate the facility with a ribbon-cutting. Among those in attendance were AUAF President, Dr. C. Michael Smith and Ms. Nilofar Sakhi, Director of ICAWED.
ICAWED, funded by the US, will serve as a hub for Afghan businesswomen, female entrepreneurs, and associations to coordinate and build strong networks.
Addressing the audience at the ceremony, Ambassador Kaidanow said, "The women meeting within the walls of this Center will build ideas and solutions for the future of Afghanistan's business development. The Center will serve as a training ground for female entrepreneurs and a hub for Afghan businesswomen to network with each other, which – as we know from our experience in the US and elsewhere – is an essential element for their empowerment and success."
The Center will contribute to the growth of women-run businesses and will allow young, women-owned and oriented companies to create jobs and contribute to Afghanistan's economy. In addition, the Center will provide programs to train and educate women business leaders and entrepreneurs. The empowerment of women is an important component of the economic and social success of a nation, including improved security and effective governance. It is a simple fact that no country can prosper if half of its citizens are left behind.
Pledging continued support for Afghan women, Ambassador Kaidanow told the audience, "I am proud to represent the people of the US in saying that we will remain steadfast in our support of Afghan women for many years to come. Afghanistan's future will depend on whether women are able to live up to their full potential in every sector of Afghan society."