$2.5M US Grant For Afghan Women Signed in Kabul; Project Spearheaded by Women's EDGE To Ease Poverty Rates, Increase Economic Growth

1/10/2003

From: Ana Rahona of Women's EDGE, 202-884-8399, arahona@womensedge.org

WASHINGTON, Jan. 10 -- Women's EDGE (Economic Development and Global Equality), a bi-partisan coalition that works with U.S. policy makers to advocate for the poorest women and people in the world, praises the signing this week of $2.5 million grant, facilitated by a bi-partisan group of lawmakers with Women's EDGE, at a meeting with the American-Afghan Women's Council in Kabul. Both Paula Dobriansky, under secretary of state for Global Affairs from the U.S. State Department, and the Afghan Minister of Women's Affairs (MOWA), Minister Sorabi, were in attendance for the signing.

"The Taliban left the majority of Afghan women mired in poverty, and with exacerbated existing inequalities," said Elise Smith, co-founder of Women's EDGE. "As Afghanistan begins the rebuilding process of its country, it's more important then ever to invest in women and involve them in a more inclusive process. Many studies have proven that investments in women are directly allocated to the education, health, and welfare of their families."

In early 2002 Women's EDGE, together with Cheryl Ray, special assistant to the Afghan Minister of Women's Affairs (MOWA), Minister Sorabi, lead the project to advocate for the $2.5 million grant. Later in 2002, Women's EDGE organized meetings with key Members of Congress and Minister Sorabi. The Minister's meetings on Capitol Hill resulted in a Senate approval of $5 million more for the MOWA in 2003. Although, the 2003 budget currently remains in limbo until the new Congress completes the 2003 spending bills.

According to World Bank research, countries that promote women's rights and reduce gender gaps in basic rights, increase access to resources, and subsequent economic opportunities, achieve more effective development -- more rapid economic growth, better governance, and higher levels of well being. The benefits of promoting equality between women and men are significant and wide ranging.

"Women's EDGE will be working diligently to ensure that Afghan women's programs receive the money they need," said Ritu Sharma, co-founder and executive director of Women's EDGE. "By building awareness on the impact this investment has on women, re-building the Afghan society can become a reality and produce greater overall economic growth."

Women's EDGE would like to acknowledge the U.S. policy makers that believe in ending poverty for women around the globe. Introducing the $2.5 million grant were Representatives Connie Morella (R-MD), Nita Lowey (D-NY), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Olympia Snowe (R-ME), and Dick Durbin (D-IL).

About Women's EDGE Women's EDGE, a bipartisan coalition created in 1998, advocates with the U.S. Government for international economic and human right policies that support women worldwide in ending poverty in their lives, communities and nations. The organization offers positive alternatives to current trade policies and pushes for pioneering aid programs that benefit both trade promoters and the poorest people. Women's EDGE has researched and developed several initiatives including the GAINS for Women and Girls Act and the Trade Impact Review. For more information visit http://www.womensedge.org.