Following the overthrow of the misogynistic Taliban regime in Afghanistan, the situation for women seemed to enter a promising era. A Ministry of Women was established and a new constitution guaranteed women 25 percent representation. Further progress has halted. Over 80 percent of Afghan women are illiterate and many remain victims of violence. Ms. Katherine Brown will address the key challenges that hamper progress in both Afghanistan and South Asian and present possible solutions. She will argue that improving the situation of women is the most effective way to ensure sustainable development in the region.

Co-sponsored by the Commonwealth Club, Truman National Security Project Educational Institute, and The Asia Foundation

Katherine Brown is a Ph.D. candidate in communications at Columbia University. She worked at the White House under the Clinton and Bush administrations: in 2000-2001 as a Presidential Scheduling Coordinator and in 2002-2003 as an assistant to the National Security Advisor and Deputy National Security Advisor. During 2003-2004, she advised on communications and public events at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, for which she was awarded a State Department Superior Honor Award.

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