An important new women's business center in Afghanistan opened at the end of May. It is aimed at educating entrepreneurs who want to start their own businesses in the war-torn country.
The International Center for Afghan Women's Economic Development is also the new home for the U.S.-Afghan Women's Council, several other nongovernmental organizations and a university program focusing on women's economic development. The center, designed by Denver-based architectural and interior design firm Burkett Design, is located on the campus of American University of Afghanistan (AUAF). It was built down the hill from the bombed-out ruins of the old Darul Aman Palace northeast of Kabul.