Bpeace in Kabul

Thursday, February 10, 2005

Nassima, one of our SRT ladies, manages this group of seamstresses who work these non-electric treadle machines.

Posted by Hello

Comments:

Paula's photo of a woman stitching on her beautiful old machine brought my late Mom to my thoughts...and I wondered about how women around the world are so alike and yet so different. I can't imagine what it must be like to be a woman in Afghanistan today...I've read about it...but living it is decidedly more challenging. They are so brave and courageous in their tenacity--finding clever ways to accomplish their goals despite the obstacles of gov't and male customs. Rock on ladies!

# posted by

Anonymous : February 10, 2005 at 9:16 AM

Wonderful pictures! I too loved this picture of the woman sewing at her machine - reminded me of sitting with my mom and watching her sew on her old machine before getting her new "modern" one (I am sure it brought back some memories for you toni as well).
Congrats on a trip that accomplished a lot and set in motion some positive steps for the future!
Safe trip home.
Trish

# posted by

Anonymous : February 10, 2005 at 9:43 AM

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: Name: Who is Bpeace?

Bpeace (Business Council for Peace) believes the path to peace is lined with jobs. We work with entrepreneurs in conflict-affected countries to scale their businesses, create significant employment for all, and expand the economic power of women. More jobs mean less violence.®

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www.bpeace.org

Afghan Team Overview

Join Us

Women for Afghan Women

Who is on this Bpeace mission?
Gwendy Feldman, international management consultant and former banker
Jim Reitzig, mergers and acquisitions professional
Kate Buggeln, board director and retail industry consultant
Laura Bradford, founder, owner and head designer of Claire V
Paula Lerner, award-winning professional photographer
Ray Maloney, former attorney, and full-time artist
Toni Maloney, marketing strategist, and Chair of Bpeace.

Who are the Afghan women Bpeace is working with?
There are 22 entrepreneurial Afghan women in Bpeace programs.
Seven are engaged in diversified businesses including freight forwarding, construction, media and HR services.
Fifteen are currently engaged in apparel and accessory production in Kabul, employing 12-200 women doing piece work in their homes and small workshops. They were selected by Bpeace members, who during a June 2004 mission to Kabul, assessed the candidatesâ business potential and craftsmanship, much of which reflects the long and rich Afghan tradition of hand-embroidery. As part of our Style Road Trip program, in May 2005 we will bring them to New York for three weeks of technical and business training that will include classes at the Fashion Institute of Technology, workshops with leading fashion designers and site visits to retailers and manufacturers along the entire American consumer spectrum. Upon completion, the women will return home to improve their products, grow their businesses and train others in what they have learned.
Bpeace provides distance mentoring, training and networking opportunities for these women and helps develop local and international markets for their products and services.
Women for Afghan Women is our partner in the Style Road Trip. Together we recevied a seed grant from the US State Departmentâs Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

What is the purpose of this Bpeace mission to Kabul?
Training (including classes in product development, how to make a profit, and business communication)
Preparation of Associates for Style Road Trip to New York in May 2005
Business Development (research and analysis on what industries are likely to support significant job creation in Afghanistan)
Funding and Financing (meet potential donors for Bpeace projects, and lenders for the womenâs emerging businesses)

Who is paying for this Bpeace mission?
We are, out of our pockets. Bpeace members pay for their own travel on missions, thereby ensuring that donor funds raised go directly into programs for our women in the field.

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