Bpeace in Afghanistan

Saturday, December 17, 2005

Our guide Najibullah (a.k.a. Najib, on left) had a brief visit with his older brother Habibullah when they both found themselves in the same Kabul neighborhood.

On her last day in Kabul, Paula stops to buy fruit on the way to Suria's house. Its her last day to sport Kabul-style attire, and as of tomorrow it will be back to a winter wardrobe of jeans and sweaters. Guide Najib took the picture.

When you're not feeling well, there's nothing like curling up with your head in mom's lap and having her stroke your hair. Tooba (bottom) was feeling better today after a sudden illness took her to the hospital a few days ago. Happily, she is on the mend now, but a mother's concern was clearly visible on Suria's face.

Comments:

Dear Paula--Yet another day and you've shown us Kabul at work and at home. And don't think I didn't notice the mud on your shoes after you bought that fruit. Ah, the Kabul life! Have an easy trip home.

# posted by

Tonim : Saturday, December 17, 2005

Paula; Your pictures bring to us all a vivid experience of life in Kabul - a Kabul that I have not seen and did not know existed. Thanks. Your commentary makes the photos more meaningful and understandable. Thanks!!!!! Thank you for your talent and courage.

# posted by

RayM : Saturday, December 17, 2005

Toni and Ray, thanks for the nice comments. It was faxcinating to delve deeper into Kabul life this trip.

And Toni, no mud on my shoes this time, but serious DUST. There was no rain so the ubiquitous mud we encountered last February was ubiquitous dust instead. I left the shoes in Kabul for Najib to give to someone needy -- lucky me I have another pair at home. I write this in the Dubai airport, where I am parked for the next 10 hours or so waiting for my next flight. I left this morning, and found I was truly sad to say goodbye to Kabul. Its amazing how the place has a way of getting under your skin...

xo

Paula

# posted by

Paula Lerner : Sunday, December 18, 2005

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: Name: Who is Bpeace?

Bpeace (The Business Council for Peace) is a non-profit international network of business professionals who volunteer to help women entrepreneurs in countries emerging from war expand their businesses, create employment and build a more peaceful future for their communities. More jobs mean less violence.

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www.bpeace.org

Afghan Team Overview

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Women for Afghan Women

Who is on this Bpeace mission?
Kate Buggeln, retail industry executive serving on the boards of Dress Barn and Circles Inc.
Marla Gitterman, Bpeace Program Director.
Athena Katsaros, founder of IdeaTribe, a life and leadership coaching consulting firm.
Paula Lerner, award-winning professional photographer
Stephen Kulovits , healthcare industry executive with the Montefiore Medical Center.
Susan McPhearson, vice-president/strategic accounts at PR Newswire.

Who are the Afghan women Bpeace is working with?
There are 21 entrepreneurial Afghan women in Bpeace programs. We call them our Associates.
Seven are engaged in diversified businesses including freight forwarding, construction, media and HR services.
The rest are currently engaged in apparel and accessory production in Kabul, employing 12-300 women doing piece work in their homes and small workshops.

What is the purpose of this Bpeace mission to Kabul?
To accelerate progress with the women in our three-year mentoring program!
This mission will focus on three key activities:
1. One on one work sessions with each Associate to assess their business development progress, identify quick wins and develop actions plans to address problems and opportunities, working closely with US mentors to define next six months of work effort and focus
2. Business training with the Bpeace Associates and over 100 members of the Afghanistan Women's Business Federation and will include developing winning business plans, building a successful retail business, effective business marketing and developing a professional success map
3. Obtaining business funding and financing furthering our networks and relationships with potential donors for Bpeace projects and identfying and linking lenders for the women's 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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