Six Emerging Leaders of Afghanistan to Visit Cal State Fullerton Monday

March 12, 2004 :: No. 178

Afghan women leaders listen to California Congresswoman Barbara Lee welcome and praise them for their courage and hard work to help women and children in Afghanistan.

Cal State Fullerton is the host campus for a Southland visit Monday, March 15, by a delegation of six women from Afghanistan. Described as members of Afghanistan’s leading grassroots organizations, they’re in Southern California to meet with women’s organizations and to tap the experience of women in higher education. They’ll exchange information on government, economic, health and education systems, as well as ideas for mutual activities.

Their California visit is a joint project of the Women’s Intercultural Network (WIN) and Afghan Women’s Association International, whose members are connecting the delegation to resources to further various projects in Afghanistan. A seed grant from the State Department’s Bureau of Education and Cultural Exchange, and the endorsement of four Congresswomen, undergird the U.S.-Afghan effort.

“The goal of WIN is to give the Afghan women as much support as we can to help them become leaders in their democracy and economy, and to help them build the capacity of their organizations and networks,” said Elahe Amani, CSUF director of student financial services. A member of WIN’s U.S. Advisory Council, Amani is serving as delegation coordinator. The emphasis, she noted, is on “the active participation of women in civic and political leadership, the creation and improvement of schools, and the development of small businesses for women.”

The delegation schedule for Monday, March 15, at Cal State Fullerton:

Reservations are required to attend the reception. Please contact Susan Katsaros at 657-278-4854.

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