Founder Dr. Terry Neese to Have Milestone Birthday Fun Raiser!

IEEW’s founder Dr. Terry Neese is celebrating a milestone birthday. On December 1, 2022 Dr. Neese will be celebrating her 75th birthday. In lieu of gifts for her birthday this year, Dr. Neese is asking for a tax-deductible donation to the 2023 PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS program. We hope you can join the celebration! RSVP Here…

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The Battle Against Hunger

Since the genocide against the Tutsis in 1994, Rwanda has fought a battle against its children’s stunting problem. With the country’s population consisting mostly of youth, Rwanda has been pressing efforts to create sustainable resources to transform communities through health andeconomic empowerment. Inspirational women such as Fortunee Uwimana experienced firsthand the loss of not just…

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Weaving Success Through Diversity & Obstacles

Anyone who has ever seen beautiful, handwoven carpets must admit that it takes time and skill, and most importantly, patience for the process. For Zargol Alami, it is a way to put her dedication and abilities to good use toward her wish of expanding the unique handcrafts of Kunduz women throughout the world. Some might…

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The Afghan Adjustment Act

Congress will soon vote on the passage of the Afghan Adjustment Act. The majority of Afghans evacuated to the US following our military withdrawal have only been granted temporary protection via humanitarian parole, which is due to expire this summer or next. Though they have the legal right to temporarily live and work in the…

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Afghan Women and the Battle for Their Rights

Over the past two decades, Afghan women made significant progress in expanding their rights and gaining access to educational and economic opportunities in Afghanistan. In 2001, Afghanistan had an estimated 1 million students enrolled in school, most of whom were male. In 2020, less than 20 years later, there were more than 9.5 million Afghan…

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Left Behind but Not Forgotten

Samman

Samman was one of two Afghan women who recently graduated from our PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS® program in Rwanda, where she is now living as a refugee. We feel so honored that she was part of our class and invited her to share some thoughts on her experience.  Hi everyone! I am Samman Akbarzada, an author from…

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A Message from Our Board Chair

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to travel to Kigali, Rwanda to meet with PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS® (PTB) graduates. I have been serving with the Institute for Economic Empowerment of Women (IEEW) for the past three years, and this was my first time getting to see their work firsthand.  While in Kigali, I visited…

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The Urgency of Protecting Afghan Women Entrepreneurs’ Gains

The number of Afghan women who own and run businesses grew from zero in 2002 to around 57,000 in 2020, including both licensed and unlicensed businesses. This was remarkable progress in less than two decades. I witnessed firsthand the growth of women in business and know stories of thousands of women from Kabul and other…

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Organizational Update

In the midst of everything else going on, we’ve made an exciting internal change. IEEW is pleased to introduce Anna Rohwer as our new Director of Global Operations!  Anna comes to us with 10 years of international development experience, with a focus on global non-profit operations, programs, and communications. Anna’s work has spanned continents and…

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15th Anniversary Awards Presentation

On July 15, 2021, the Institute for Economic Empowerment of Women celebrated 15 years by recognizing individuals who have made a significant contribution or impact. Honorees were recognized at an event hosted by HoganTaylor LLC Oklahoma City, with proceeds benefiting IEEW and its PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS® program.

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What One Afghan Family Can Accomplish Out of Love & Compassion

Wahab and Manizha married in 2011. Manizha says of Wahab, “he has been a great partner, very gender sensitive and very courageous to break gender stereotypes.” Showing his understanding of his bride-to-be, Wahab assured Manizha that he expected her to continue her professional work and reach for the goals she had set. He emphasized, “in 5 or 10 years from now, I don’t want you to look back and say, ‘oh, you couldn’t do this or achieve that, because you married me’.” Wahab has been Manizha’s rock, ensuring that their life together remains as he promised the day they married. He supports her everyday work and accomplishments, but moreover, he enjoys her drive, respects her independence, appreciates her competency and deep sense of responsibility for family, friends, and indeed, for the world at large.

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