Kabul, Afghanistan – The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) held a women’s empowerment event today for graduates of the Women’s Leadership Development (WLD) Jawana and Royesh programs. Senior Afghan government officials, leaders in the private sector, and civil society representatives attended the event, which highlighted the achievements of the WLD graduates and strengthened their support network as future leaders in Afghanistan.

The graduates shared their experiences about the program, while champions of women’s leadership in Afghanistan discussed their perspectives on the role of women in Afghanistan’s peace and reconciliation process. The graduates and participants also discussed the future of women in Afghanistan and explored potential employment opportunities.

Mrs. Nabila Mushleh, the Deputy Minister for Administration and Finance said, “The Ministry of Women’s Affairs is proud to support USAID's Promote: Women’s Leadership Development Program, which facilitated learning opportunities for thousands of young women and strengthened their soft skills to be young and capable leaders.”

Between September 2014 and September 2018, more than 6,000 girls and young women graduated from the Royesh program and over 16,000 women graduated from the Jawana program. The programs provided the young women with the necessary work and life skills to help them build a future. By the end of the program, more than 25,000 women and girls will benefit from the WLD programs.

With almost $19 billion spent on development programs in Afghanistan since 2002, USAID provides the largest bilateral civilian assistance program to Afghanistan. USAID partners with the Government and people of Afghanistan to ensure economic growth led by the country’s private sector, to establish a democratic and capable state governed by the rule of law, and to provide basic health and education services for all Afghans.

• Press Release - USAID Hosts a Women’s Empowerment Event (Dari)