Background and Overview:
Scores of emerging democracies have embarked
upon dynamic new political and economic paths
thanks to the emergence of innovative leaders
with fresh ideas and approaches. At the same
time, many developing countries curb their capacity
for generating new ideas by limiting leadership
– even participation – in ways that exclude women
and youth.
For democratic practices to truly take hold,
and for an economy to generate growth, the private
sector must be fully engaged. The rights to
participate in political processes, access services,
and be part of the economy must not be provided
selectively.
Women are often not the only disenfranchised
group in emerging economies. All too often young
people are left on the sidelines of political
and economic policymaking. In many cases, due
to a lack of education, young people do not posses
the skills to become contributing members of
the private sector - the fundamental concepts
of private enterprise, private property, and
political participation are unknown. Education
is needed for progress, yet education without
opportunity fuels disenchantment and potential
upheaval.
After more than 20 years, CIPE’s efforts to support
women and youth have evolved from basic training
for entrepreneurs to more sophisticated models,
organizational strengthening, and grooming future
leaders in countries such as Afghanistan, Montenegro,
Turkey, and Nicaragua. CIPE’s approach is to provide
these disenfranchised groups with tools to become
effective leaders, to organize themselves, and
to begin effectively representing their own interests.
Afghan students learn the basics of entrepreneurship through CIPE's
Tashabos program.
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