United Nations Opens USAID Photo Exhibit
"Out of the Shadows: The Role of Women in Afghan Society"
WASHINGTON, DC 20523
PRESS OFFICE
http://www.usaid.gov/
(202) 712-4320
2004-024
November 16, 2004
Contact: USAID Press Office
For Immediate Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is pleased to announce the U.N. opening of the USAID photo exhibit "Out of the Shadows: The Role of Women in Afghan Society." The exhibit is on display in the Visitors' Lobby at United Nations headquarters in New York through December 10, 2004.
Saluting the strength and spirit of the women and children of Afghanistan, "Out of the Shadows" tells the story of their transforming lives at home, in school, in the market place, and in leadership.
USAID accomplishments on behalf of the women of Afghanistan include:
- 5,500 women in rural provinces trained as health care workers and midwives;
- 170,000 older students in accelerated learning classes who were previously denied an education;
- 17 provincial women's resource centers to give women a place to hold literacy and health classes, learn job skills and hold meetings-under construction;
- training 2,500 women in poultry production to give women in rural areas a way to earn an income;
- 121 bakeries established for widows are giving 200,000 vulnerable women jobs and food;
- women's dormitory at Kabul University provides a safe environment for women to work and study;
- invested $25 million in voter registration effort for women. 33 per cent of the registered voters were women.
"USAID has long understood the essential role women play in the development of their countries…from ensuring the health of their own families to ensuring the good governance of their nation," said Jim Kunder, USAID Assistant Administrator for Asia and the Near East, at last week's inaugural celebration hosted by Ambassador John Danforth, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N.
The U.S. Agency for International
Development has provided economic and humanitarian assistance
worldwide for more than 40 years.
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