Afghan Leader Visits U.S. to Represent Afghan Women

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla., March 29, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Institute for Economic Empowerment of Women (IEEW) is proud to announce the arrival of Afghan leader Dr. Rahela Kaveer.   She will represent IEEW at a conference hosted by the George W. Bush Institute in Dallas, Texas, titled Building Afghanistan's Future: Promoting Women's Freedom and Advancing their Economic Opportunity.  She and Dr. Terry Neese, serial entrepreneur, Founder and CEO of IEEW, will speak on a panel moderated by Greta Van Susteren of FOX News.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110329/DC73624)

Dr. Kaveer, a former UNICEF worker, is the Founder and Director of the Afghan Women Empowerment Organization in Kabul.  The AWEO empowers women in rural areas of the country through education and agricultural training.  She also offers health tips and informs Afghan women of their rights.   Dr. Kaveer's goals include offering women alternatives to working in poppy fields.  She graduated from IEEW's PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS™ program in 2010, in which she participated in a mentorship program at Oklahoma State University's Agriculture Department.  

"We are proud to have Dr. Kaveer back in the United States," said Dr. Terry Neese. "After she graduated from our Peace Through Business program in June 2010, she ran for parliament.  She is changing lives in Afghanistan and we are pleased to help her play a leadership role in the future of her country."

While the majority of their time will be spent in Oklahoma City, Dr. Kaveer and Dr. Neese will be in Dallas, Texas, this Wednesday and Thursday (March 30 and 31).  If you are interested in interviewing either of the women, please contact Linda Mares, Director of Media Relations, to coordinate an interview.

Media Opportunities:

2011 PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS Mentorship Luncheon

Wednesday, March 30

11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Imprimis Group

4835 LBJ Freeway, Ste. 1000, 10th floor, Dallas, Texas  75244

George W. Bush Institute Conference

SMU Campus (March 30-31)

Media interested in attending the Bush Institute conference should contact Hanna Abney ([email protected]) prior to the event in order to receive press credentials.  

Suggested story ideas include:

• Afghan Leader Trains in United States: How the U.S. is Helping Afghanistan Achieve Economic Stability
• When U.S. Troops Leave Afghanistan: How Women Are Leading Initiative to Achieve Economic Stability
• Agricultural Education Helps Displaced Women Become Entrepreneurs
• OSU Helps Afghan Leader Provide for Her Country

About The Institute for Economic Empowerment of Women:

The Institute for Economic Empowerment of Women is a 501(c)3 non-profit empowering women to grow their businesses, pursue greater entrepreneurial ventures and become more active public policy advocates. The Institute accomplishes this mission by focusing on education, mentorship and coaching women in the United States and abroad who are seeking to acquire entrepreneurial skills to help start and grow a business.  Visit www.ieew.org

About PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS:

PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS is a training program designed to provide long-term business education to women entrepreneurs in Afghanistan and Rwanda.  Through our private partners, government agencies, and Institute staff, we provide a business education program in three phases: 1) In-Country Education, 2) Leadership Development, which includes Mentorship, and an International Women's Economic Summit, as well as 3) Pay it Forward.

Contact:  Linda Mares
Office:  405-943-4474
Cell: 832-265-3840
E-mail: [email protected]

SOURCE Institute for Economic Empowerment of Women