Afghan Woman Wins Asia Social Entrepreneur Of The Year Award

[Admin Khan]

Today at the World Economic Forum’s annual Summer Davos meeting, three businesspeople were awarded the Asia “Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award”. One of the winners was Afghanistan’s own Sakena Yacoobi. She was presented the award by Hilde Schwab, Co-Founder and Chairperson of the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship.
Ms. Yacoobi was recognized as a leading social innovator in Asia because she had founded the Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL). AIL was founded in 1995. During this time, the Taliban movement was bringing many parts of the country under their control, and implementing barbaric rules such as prohibiting women from working and denying them the right to an education.
A press release issued by the Schwab Foundation, states that, “AIL provides health and education services to Afghan women and children so that, amid decades of war and civil strife, they can rebuild their identities, lives, society and, ultimately, their country. In addition to operating rural health clinics, AIL provides primary and secondary education, university classes, as well as teacher training and human rights workshops – altogether benefiting more than 3.5 million people to date.”
“With Asia driving much of today’s economic progress, it is even more important that people are not left behind in the development process. Social entrepreneurship plays a key role in ensuring inclusive growth,” said Hilde Schwab, Co-Founder and Chairperson of the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship.
“Social entrepreneurs have an important lesson to share in today’s economic climate”, says the press release. “They emphasize long-term sustainability instead of short-term gain. Their primary focus is to maximize benefits for society and the environment through innovative and effective business models. Their approach to entrepreneurship is one of sustainable economic growth across sectors and industries, from renewable energy and education to waste management, health and rural development.”
The event was held in the northern Chinese city of Tianjin.
For more on AIL, check out: http://www.afghaninstituteoflearning.org/

[Nokia_Apridy]

pukhtana da ?

[khyaal]

Thanks Jasmine for the post.

[AgnosticPashtana]

terrific

[muhsina]

The very fact that a country where the industrial base is evolving and even male enterprenuers are still to establish their enterprenuership skills, such an achievement for an Afghan women brings laurels to the Afghans - a nation which if given opportunities will rise to the skies of excellence.

Bravo to the brave women of Afghanistan who have kept up the spirit of courage coupled with wisdom up and high to make Afghans proud.

[Feroza_Banu]

Salam to all brave Afghan Women of Afghanistan. Every Afghan WOman has been through ALOT... we all have lost alot... to be able to stand up straight with head held high and make your identity against all odds, is definitely exceptional ...

Bravo!