Bpeace in Kabul

Jim Reitzig tells his story.


We are doing well on our first official “full” day of our mission, or at least better than we looked last night upon arrival in Dubai. Tomorrow morning we leave for Kabul on a UN flight.

So why has a single guy from NYC signed up with a formerly all-female volunteer organization, and why in the world am I going to Afghanistan?

It’s a question I get nearly every day…so here’s the answer…No, it’s not to find a wife (although Mom would be happy). First, a bit of background…after 8+ years at JPMorgan, the last couple in the Mergers and Acquisitions group, I decided to leave corporate life for a short bit. The main reason is a promise I made to myself after September 11th to volunteer for an organization that is attempting to have a positive impact on previously neglected people in the Middle East. My thought is that hopefully a contribution (however small it may be) may help prevent another tragedy like the one we experienced. After much searching and many conversations with various organizations it took just one meeting to commit to Bpeace. Right away, I could see that the people of Bpeace were no-nonsense, energetic, fast-movers that actually accomplish goals that they set.

That’s how I got here, now what will I be doing in Afghanistan?

My primary focus is business development (although I look forward to teaching, benchmarking the businesses of the women in our program, and detoxing with a week of no alcohol—though I refuse to give up my chocolate). It’s my job to figure out which industries in Afghanistan will have the most job creation in the short and long term, and in which of those industries will women be able to play a leading role? I’ve spent the last few months reviewing existing research and speaking with as many knowledgeable business development people as possible. Did you know, for example, that Afghanistan used to be one of the world’s leading exporters of raisins?

In Kabul, I will be spending the week investigating current economic conditions and interviewing people who know Afghan economic development best. I will finalize my work with a full report on the future role of businesswomen in Afghanistan to Toni and the Bpeace Governing Board, and celebrate my report by shaving my beard.