Language and math skills, health education, and vocational training are all are part of an USAID’s drive to boost female literacy and capacity in the insecure southern province of Zabul. In southern Afghanistan, a weak government presence has left many women fearful of radical social strictures. Countering this fear is key to stabilization efforts in the province, where USAID and its partners are working to build links between citizens, empowering them to envision – and pursue – alternatives to conflict. One such effort is providing English-language and computer training to 60 female graduates of the Bibi Khala High School, who in turn will each mentor two current students. The project complements another initiative that is offering health education, literacy, and almond-cleaning training to 60 more women in the province. Through these programs, women in Zabul will receive the education and jobs skills that they need to play an active role in building a stable Afghanistan.