Supporting the Economic Empowerment of Afghan Women through Education and Training in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan
Implementing organisation: UNDP
Duration: 2019-2025
Project budget: € 2 million
Location: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan
Keywords: Afghan women, education, scholarships, trainings, economic empowerment
Contract number: ACA/2019/407-469
Programme Development Objective:
The overall Programme’s objective is to strengthen human capacity development in Afghanistan by increasing women’s access to quality higher education and TVET through cooperation with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
Main target group: Afghan women
Programme Partners:
Programme is being implemented in close cooperation with UN Women, Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Ministries of Education and academic institutions in the respective programme countries
Programme Launch:
The Program was launched on 12 November 2019 at the Headquarter of the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium.
Programme Specific Objectives:
- Provision of quality academic learning opportunities in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan for women of Afghanistan in selected fields.
- Supporting selected women in obtaining specialised qualifications from education institutions of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
- Enhancing employability of women participating in the programme.
Expected outcomes by May 2025:
— The participants underwent a foundation training in academic language and cultural studies.
— 50 Afghan women awarded scholarships to pursue education in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have completed their studies.
— Programme participants are equipped with adequate skill sets to increase their chances of getting decent jobs and withstand potential shocks women experience throughout their careers by attending dedicated Summer Schools, extra-curricular activities, and workshops.
— Programme participants are trained to pursue job opportunities and negotiate with employers.
Achievements to date:
To date, 44 students have completed their academic programs. While some graduates returned to Afghanistan, others have pursued further education and career opportunities, aiming to enhance their professional skills before returning to their homeland. 1 graduate in Uzbekistan has departed for Spain under the new EU-UNDP agreement. 5 students in Kazakhstan are to graduate in summer 2024.
