NEW YORK — When Women for Women International launched 26 years ago, the nonprofit expected that many of its operating countries in conflict would graduate to post-conflict status. That hasn’t happened as quickly as hoped, according to CEO Laurie Adams.
The rising prevalence of protracted crises and conflicts means a readjustment of what it means to operate in some of the most dangerous conflict and post-conflict zones, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Eastern Congo, and Northern Nigeria, Adams told Devex.
Women for Women International has had 15,000 women in conflict and post-conflict countries go through their one-year program that focuses on building business skills as well as awareness of the value of women’s work and gender equality. Local leaders oversee the training program, which often results in women growing their businesses and income, according to Women for Women International.