This white paper analyzes how extreme gender inequality in Afghanistan—what many women’s rights leaders around the world are referring to as “gender apartheid”—affects the broader society economically. It considers factors such as Afghan women’s severe exclusion from...

After nearly 18 years as a leading nonprofit educating and empowering women around the world, the Institute for Economic Empowerment of Women (IEEW) has merged with the Enterprising Women Foundation (EWF) to continue the growth and expansion of the Peace Through...

Mr. President, Thank you!Excellencies,Thank you for this opportunity to address you on the women’s economic situation in Afghanistan. I am Manizha Wafeq, Co-founder of the Afghanistan Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Executive Director of Global/Afghanistan...

The Enterprising Women Foundation is a sister nonprofit to Enterprising Women magazine and we are so proud to launch a new website to highlight the work of our foundation. We are creating a new membership opportunity for Enterprising Women Foundation supporters to...

Samman was one of two Afghan women who recently graduated from our PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS® program in Rwanda, where she is now living as a refugee. We feel so honored that she was part of our class and invited her to share some thoughts on her experience. Hi everyone!...

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to travel to Kigali, Rwanda to meet with PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS® (PTB) graduates. I have been serving with the Institute for Economic Empowerment of Women (IEEW) for the past three years, and this was my first time getting to...

Afghan PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS(R) cohort being taught in Badakhshan in December 2019 by In-Country Facilitator, Manizha Wafeq. The number of Afghan women who own and run businesses grew from zero in 2002 to around 57,000 in 2020,...

In the midst of everything else going on, we’ve made an exciting internal change. IEEW is pleased to introduce Anna Rohwer as our new Director of Global Operations!  Anna comes to us with 10 years of international development experience, with a focus on global...

On July 15, 2021, the Institute for Economic Empowerment of Women celebrated 15 years by recognizing individuals who have made a significant contribution or impact. Honorees were recognized at an event hosted by HoganTaylor LLC Oklahoma City, with proceeds benefiting IEEW and its PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS® program.

Wahab and Manizha married in 2011. Manizha says of Wahab, “he has been a great partner, very gender sensitive and very courageous to break gender stereotypes.” Showing his understanding of his bride-to-be, Wahab assured Manizha that he expected her to continue her professional work and reach for the goals she had set. He emphasized, “in 5 or 10 years from now, I don’t want you to look back and say, ‘oh, you couldn’t do this or achieve that, because you married me’.” Wahab has been Manizha’s rock, ensuring that their life together remains as he promised the day they married. He supports her everyday work and accomplishments, but moreover, he enjoys her drive, respects her independence, appreciates her competency and deep sense of responsibility for family, friends, and indeed, for the world at large.