| Media Note Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC September 20, 2002 Afghan Women Officials Arrive in U.S. for Educational Leadership ProgramOn September 22, 14 women from various Afghan government ministries will arrive in the United States for a four-week educational exchange program. The program, "U.S. Leadership Management and Computer Education for Afghan Women", is being sponsored by the U.S.-Afghan Women’s Council, co-chaired by Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs Paula J. Dobriansky and the Afghan Ministers of Women’s Affairs and Foreign Affairs. As a member of the U.S.-Afghan Women’s Council, Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs Patricia S. Harrison created this unique International Visitor exchange in response to the need to assist with reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan. The women will arrive in Washington D.C., where they will have the opportunity to establish relationships and networking opportunities with senior policymakers, Members of Congress, government agency officials, and non-governmental organization representatives. They will divide into three groups and continue the program in California, Colorado and Georgia. Computer education will be provided by participating American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) in Atlanta, Denver and Los Angeles. The women will study specific computer skills, train in proposal development as well as communications and leadership management, participate in familiarization tours of community programs, and attend social events and cultural activities. A laptop will be donated to each participant for use in the United States and later in Afghanistan. The program also includes follow-up assistance in-country, as the participants will go on to work with others in their respective ministries. The three groups will reconvene in Austin, Texas, to look at state government and the interaction among federal, state, and local entities. They will conclude their program in New York City where they will meet with representatives of the United Nations and other organizations that play an integral role in relief efforts in Central and South Asia. In addition, the U.S.-Afghan Women's Council is announcing its new website, which went on-line this week at http://usawc.state.gov/. The site contains information about the history and mission of the Council, further details about the "U.S. Leadership Management and Computer Education for Afghan Women" program, as well as upcoming projects, news, and information about women in Afghanistan. The Council website also provides donor and contact information on how the public can help ensure Afghan women gain the skills and education they need to help rebuild Afghanistan. For more information contact: Daria Fane, International Women’s Issues Office, (202) 312-9665. |
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