A program helping Afghan women business leaders

The Thunderbird School of Global Management at ASU began supporting Afghan women’s economic empowerment in 2005, after the fall of the Taliban, through a program called Project Artemis. 

Project Artemis is a business skills program that builds the expertise of emerging Afghan women business leaders. The school is working hard right now to provide informational resources to Artemis participants and people who want to help. 

We talked with Dr. Sanjeev Khagram, Director General and Dean of Thunderbird School of Global Management at ASU, about it all. 

The project was established to empower Afghan women so they could have successful lives and careers and support their families. It is a one-time program. 

Khagram said it’s going to be an uncertain time not only for Project Artemis but for women, more generally, and young girls across Afghanistan. 

The Thunderbird School has alumni of about 500 people in Afghanistan that the program is trying to help first. “The second order is to continue to try and advance and broaden the program despite the challenges,” he said.

The graduates are fearful of their lives, many of them are trying to seek refuge, are requesting every form of assistance, trying to flee the country, Khagram added.

The Thunderbird for good program empowers leaders and entrepreneurs around the world that would continue to advance in Afghanistan. “We had a bright future ahead, but now it’s uncertain,” he said. 

Khagram said Project Artemis is going to engage in every way possible and offer services as long as it ensures the rights and dignity of all people.