Announcement

Islamic Investment and Finance Cooperative Attracts Women Members

Fifteen women joined the IIFC in a two-week period.

Jalalabad, Afghanistan | Friday, May 15, 2009

Photo: USAID/ARIES

New women members of the Nangarhar Islamic Investment and Finance Cooperative.

Throughout Afghanistan, women are frequently absent from the world of business and finance. However, there are many motivated women entrepreneurs who strive to gain access to the capital they need to grow their businesses or who wish to open savings accounts to manage family funds. In March, the Nangarhar Islamic Investment and Finance Cooperative (IIFC) reached out to potential women members in eastern Afghanistan, responding to a request made by women community leaders.

The IIFC – a community-based, member-owned institution that provides sharia-compliant financial services – hired a membership development officer who conducted orientations with interested women in Nangarhar province. As a result of this outreach, 15 women joined the IIFC in a two-week period. The presence of IIFCs in local communities has contributed to job creation and economic growth, and now, increased economic opportunities for women.

USAID/Afghanistan Bi-weekly Highlights: 5/1/2009-5/15/2009 5/15/2009

Learn more: Economic Growth | About this activity

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