Women’s Empowerment Programs in Afghanistan

Abstract

The Asia Foundation has been a leading advocate for women’s empowerment in Afghanistan and works on the premise that improving social, economic, and political opportunities for women will improve society as a whole. We have pioneered projects to promote opportunities for Afghan women by forging strategic relationships with government institutions, local NGOs, and influential non state-actors, particularly traditional community leaders and religious leaders. By strengthening the formal and informal justice sectors, encouraging institutional reform, and raising awareness of women’s rights within an Islamic framework, these projects contribute to a sustained reduction in violence against women and expand women’s personal and social security.