WASHINGTON, D.C. /CitizenWire/ — On Wednesday March 21, Secretary Clinton will host a celebration for the 10th anniversary of the U.S. – Afghan Women’s Council with special guest Mrs. Laura Bush, in appreciation for the work and ongoing dedication of the Council’s members to support the women and girls of Afghanistan. Afghan Foreign Minister Zalmay Rassoul will also participate, with other U.S. and foreign dignitaries. The event will be held at approximately 12:00 p.m. in the Ben Franklin Room of the U.S. Department of State.
Founded by U.S. President George W. Bush and Afghan President Hamid Karzai in 2002, the U.S.-Afghan Women’s Council connects the U.S. Government, the Afghan Government, the private sector, academia, and nongovernmental organizations to identify needs and to develop and implement initiatives in support of Afghan women and girls. Since 2009, Secretary Clinton and the State Department continue the work of the Council, now housed at Georgetown University. Georgetown University President John J. DeGioia serves as co-chair of the U.S.-Afghan Women’s Council with Ambassador at Large for Global Women’s Issues, Melanne Verveer. Mrs. Bush, an honorary advisor, continues to play a supporting role.
The Council mobilizes public and private sector resources to support Afghan women socially, politically, and economically. Its bipartisan members are leaders in government, the private sector, and philanthropy who have taken on initiatives to advance opportunities for Afghan women and girls in the specific areas of literacy and education, entrepreneurship, political leadership, humanitarian relief, and health care.
The event will be held in the Benjamin Franklin Diplomatic Reception Room and will be streamed live on www.state.gov.