Global Leadership
WE Lead
The WE Lead program equips women from the Middle East, North Africa, and Afghanistan with the skills to become more effective leaders.
25%
Percent of women in the Middle East and North Africa in the workforce, compared to 50% in other developing regions
6
Countries represented by participants: Lebanon, Afghanistan, Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, and Jordan
Women are essential to the development of open, peaceful, and prosperous societies.
Building upon President and Mrs. Bush's commitment to women's inclusion and leadership in the Middle East, North Africa, and Afghanistan, the WE Lead program advances the role of women leaders who are increasing economic opportunity in their countries.
Commitment to political freedom, quality education, and women's opportunity and well-being is inconsistent across the Middle East, North Africa (MENA), and Afghanistan. Other challenges, especially unemployment, have intensified as the population in the region grows.
Today, there is a significant need to strengthen the capacity of women leaders in MENA and Afghanistan who are advancing economic opportunity, and to demonstrate the importance of continued U.S. leadership and engagement to support their success.
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Related Content
Commentary
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Why WE Lead: Women, Not Oil Prices, Key to Middle East’s Future
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What’s Happening in Afghanistan?
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Why WE Lead: Series Introduction
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Why WE Lead: A Conversation with Wilson Center Fellow Michael Gordon
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Economic Advancement is Critical for Tunisia’s Prosperity
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5 Leaders to Watch on International Women’s Day
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Q&A with Dr. Nilofar Ibrahimi, Member of Parliament, Afghanistan
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Global Leadership: A Look Back At 2017
In the News
Latest Press Releases & Headlines View all-
Bush Institute Welcomes Women Leaders from the Middle East, North Africa, and Afghanistan for New Program
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Experts to US Lawmakers: Women Are Untapped Resource in Countering Extremism
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Laura Bush and Rula Ghani on 'opening the door' for women in Afghanistan
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Laura Bush and H.E. Rula Ghani: Thriving Afghan businesswomen still need you
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Book review: 'We Are Afghan Women' tells of the fight to change cultural stigmas, empower women
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How This Millennial Afghan Woman Defied The Odds To Get Her Education
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Laura Bush on Afghan women, U.S. interests and 2016
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Why Laura Bush Can't Forget a Shoeless Afghan Boy – and What She Wants the next President to Do About It
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Laura Bush: U.S. going through 'xenophobic' period
Women’s Initiative
Promoting education, healthcare, and economic opportunity for women around the world
