| 17 Nov 2007 |
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More jobs, less violence please!
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DUBAI -- Determined to help rebuild their troubled country, 15 Afghan women entrepreneurs underwent a training programme by trade experts in Dubai last week.
The women, including carpenters, processed food manufacturers, radio broadcasters, silk producers and development consultants, received training in marketing, accounting and human resources from students and teachers of Dubai Women's College (DWC).
"More jobs means less violence," said Fathima Akbari, a carpenter and mother of three who had fled to Iran after the Taleban took over the country. But she is back in Afghanistan, keen on contributing to the efforts being made to put her country on the fast track to development and generating jobs for women.
Akbari admitted that when she returned to her country a couple of years ago, the community wasn't ready to accept working women, specially in a male-dominated occupation.
"Since no one was willing to work for me, I decided to employ women from my own family. Once the community saw what we could do, they slowly changed their perception and many have since joined me. Now, I have 77 women working with me, making wooden cabinets, TV stands, chairs and tables," she says proudly.
Many like her had witnessed the rise and fall of the Taleban and were mute spectators of the fundamentalist outfit's inhumane treatment of women.
The women in Afghanistan, like journalist Mobina Khairandish, general manager and programme director in Radio Rabae Balkhi, are now doing their bit to elevate the status of women in the society. She runs a daily show in the Balkh province, mainly dealing with women issues.
"Our show talks about social issues that concern women like education, family aspects and work. We want to raise awareness among women and keep them better informed," she says.
The women from Kabul, Mazar, Herat, Balkh and Ghazni were accompanied by eight American volunteers who will be mentoring and supporting them over a two-year period.
"Meeting and working with the Afghan businesswomen was an inspiration to our business and faculty. Their determination, persistence and commitment to further develop their communities are outstanding and we cannot find better role models to teach us real entrepreneurship," said DWC Director Dr Howard Reed, who is also senior director at the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT).
By Preeti Kannan
© Khaleej Times 2007
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