Laura Bush on Afghan Women's Leadership for Peace
A Conversation with the Former First Lady
Read the Event CoverageMrs. Laura Bush, former First Lady of the United States, has long been an advocate for expanding the rights and opportunities of women in Afghanistan. On March 15, USIP hosted a discussion about the importance of the United States’ continued support of Afghan women and girls. In an event celebrating International Women’s Month, Mrs. Bush was joined by Mina Sherzoy, an Afghan woman featured in the George W. Bush Institute’s new book, “We Are Afghan Women: Voices of Hope.” Stephen Hadley, USIP’s Board Chairman and a former National Security Advisor, moderated the conversation.
Over the last 13 years, women in Afghanistan have experienced hard-won gains. In 2001, for example, 5,000 girls were in school. Today, more than 2.5 million girls are being educated. Women are emerging from their homes to start businesses, run for office and participate in civil society. The Bush Institute’s book, with an introduction by Mrs. Bush, was released on March 8 and tells the unique stories of 28 women’s contributions to Afghanistan as they seek to promote peace and rebuild their country.
The event at USIP was co-sponsored by the Bush Institute and the U.S.-Afghan Women’s Council. Continue the conversation on Twitter with #VoicesofHope.
Speakers
Mrs. Laura Bush
Former First Lady of the United States
Mr. Stephen J. Hadley
Chairman of the Board of Directors of the U.S. Institute of Peace
Ms. Mina Sherzoy
Council Member of the U.S.–Afghan Women’s Council
Ms. Nancy Lindborg, Welcoming Remarks
President of the U.S. Institute of Peace
