Why Afghanistan?
In the last 13 years, Afghanistan has made enormous strides in political empowerment, participation, education, and safety for girls and women. These achievements, with the support of the international community and the United States Government, have been absolutely essential to moving Afghanistan’s peace and stability forward.
Now, for the first time in history, Afghan women have the opportunity to choose and successfully hold positions in the social, political, economic affairs of the country. One of the reasons that Afghanistan’s young women can demand seats at the decision making table is due to the influence of their obtaining degrees in post-secondary education. Only those women who are able earn a college degree are attaining positions of power. Therefore, the need for more women to obtain college degrees is imperative.
The skills that women adopt through higher education in the U.S., such as critical thinking, exploring various leadership opportunities, and learning how to communicate effectively, enables them to become successful leaders in Afghanistan. In a country dealing with severe gender discrimination, these skills are rarely taught to women in higher institutions in Afghanistan or encouraged culturally. Therefore, those whom assume leadership roles often lack the confidence and skills to challenge authority.
As Afghanistan goes through a major political transition, Afghan women must have a say in the trajectory of their government’s decision-making processes. This will not be possible without providing an influential number of young women a higher education and a sense of personal empowerment. Right now is a pivotal moment in protecting women’s rights in Afghanistan SHE-CAN can play an instrumental role in building strong women leaders.
Now, for the first time in history, Afghan women have the opportunity to choose and successfully hold positions in the social, political, economic affairs of the country. One of the reasons that Afghanistan’s young women can demand seats at the decision making table is due to the influence of their obtaining degrees in post-secondary education. Only those women who are able earn a college degree are attaining positions of power. Therefore, the need for more women to obtain college degrees is imperative.
The skills that women adopt through higher education in the U.S., such as critical thinking, exploring various leadership opportunities, and learning how to communicate effectively, enables them to become successful leaders in Afghanistan. In a country dealing with severe gender discrimination, these skills are rarely taught to women in higher institutions in Afghanistan or encouraged culturally. Therefore, those whom assume leadership roles often lack the confidence and skills to challenge authority.
As Afghanistan goes through a major political transition, Afghan women must have a say in the trajectory of their government’s decision-making processes. This will not be possible without providing an influential number of young women a higher education and a sense of personal empowerment. Right now is a pivotal moment in protecting women’s rights in Afghanistan SHE-CAN can play an instrumental role in building strong women leaders.
