Implementing organisation: UNDP

Duration: 2021-2027

Project budget: € 4 million

Project partners: UNDP, UN Women, EU, Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Ministries of Education

Location: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan

Keywords: Afghan women empowerment, scholarships for Afghan women, EU-UNDP initiative

Contract number: ACA/2021/423-885

Project Description

Launched in 2021, this project expands an ongoing EUR 2 million cooperation program aimed at enhancing the resilience and empowerment of vulnerable women in Afghanistan. It focuses on their academic, economic, and social development by providing education and training in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan in the new phase. The goal is for 105 Afghan women to graduate with higher and professional education from Central Asian universities by 2027.

Main target group

Afghan women

Achievements to date

A new group of Afghan students commenced their study programs in 2022-2023. 50 students in Almaty completed the language course and started their academic journey in 2022. 3 students had to withdraw from the project due to personal reasons. In Tashkent, 19 Afghan women are currently studying in a TVET program. Considering the challenging geo-political circumstances, 11 more applicants will be selected for the scholarship in 2023-2024. In Bishkek, 18 students have enrolled in a TVET education program, while 4 students have been admitted to the Bachelor preparatory course in Naryn. Additionally, 7 women in Afghanistan are currently pursuing their studies online.

Expected results by May 2027:

• 105 motivated Afghan women will receive the scholarship, increase their language excellency during foundation year, enroll to universities in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan and successfully complete their studies;
• Foundation courses on academic language training and cultural studies developed and delivered to scholarship recipients;
• Organisation of extracurricular trainings such as Summer and Winter Schools in partnership with UN Women to help Afghan women develop their leadership and communication skills. Training women to pursue job opportunities, develop eye-catching CVs and cover-letters, and negotiate with potential employers increases their chances for decent employment.