SPOTLIGHT

 

The T. Boone Pickens Foundation focuses grants to organizations that operate in its core giving categories (see “About TBPF”). The current partner spotlight is an update on the Institute for Economic Empowerment of Women, which for the past four years has been making a real difference in women’s lives across the globe.

Through its Peace Through Business program, the Institute provides long-term business training to women entrepreneurs in Afghanistan and Rwanda. Operating on the philosophy that an economically sound country has a greater capacity for peace, the Institute has trained more than 150 women business owners worldwide in basic business and leadership skills.

The Pickens Foundation has supported the organization since its inception. “I’ve always believed in leveraging our philanthropic efforts, whether that means investing in organizations who find matches for our grants, or using the umbrella of the charitable organizations we support to broaden the effectiveness of our philanthropy,” Pickens says. “I believe that you build stability in developing economies by helping entrepreneurs get a stable foothold, which is why we support the Peace Through Business program.”

Women across America are taking part in this international effort, as mentorship is a leading component of the program.  Using the Institute’s vast network of women business owners, the Institute pairs the Afghan and Rwandan students with American women in a matched profession. These mentors open their businesses and homes for not only a business exchange, but also a cultural exchange with their families. Through open hearts and homes, this mentorship allows students the chance to see the classroom come to life and to create lifelong friendships.

“Mr. Pickens’ support of Peace Through Business and the Institute has been invaluable,” says founder and serial entrepreneur Terry Neese, who launched the first program in 2007 after she traveled to Afghanistan as a member of the U.S.-Afghan Women’s Council. “We could not educate and empower women in developing countries without the support of the T. Boone Pickens Foundation.”

Peace Through Business is a program that works. These students face tremendous obstacles living in war-torn countries, including infrastructure issues, lack of funding, and cultural impediments. These women are resilient, however, and they are in pursuit of a better solution for their families and their countries. By building their businesses, these women are building their countries in terms of economic stability and job creation.

Oftentimes Afghan women are expected to support themselves or contribute to a family’s income; however, some are not allowed to leave the house. A 2007 graduate, Amir Taj Sirat, is in the business of hand-sewing soccer and volleyballs. By offering these women jobs sewing balls in their homes, Amir is helping these women survive and thrive in their communities and societies. By applying her Peace Through Business training, Amir has increased her revenues and number of employees by 400 percent. She has helped more Afghan women have the chance at financial freedom and stability.

 “Peace Through Business helped me understand the power I have to help other women, to expand my business and increase my profits,” Amir says. “I will help IEEW help more women in my country.”

In addition to hiring more women, Amir successfully mentored a fellow countrywoman, Khalida Dunya, in the soccer and volleyball business. Khalida is now a 2009 Peace Through Business graduate and is a living testimony to how Peace Through Business’ Pay It Forward program works by training fellow countrymen and women.

For more information on the Institute and Peace Through Business, please visit www.ieew.org.