Soldiers and Others Support Local Woman in Education, Business

KABUL, Afghanistan - To help Afghan women who live and work around Camp Phoenix, in Kabul, Task Force Centurion regularly hosts local women's bazaars on the camp and plans to build or renovate area schools, especially those for young girls.

"What we are trying to do is invest in the women and the families here in Afghanistan, and specifically our neighbors in Ud Khiel, so that they can support themselves and their families," said Lt. Col. Stephanie Purgerson, Camp Phoenix Base commander.

The camp bazaar isn't new, but camp leaders are taking a new approach when deciding who receives access. In the past, more than 100 vendors from all over Afghanistan and the United States would pack into the camp's square.

Lt. Col. Stephanie Purgerson poses for a photograph with young residents of a Kabul area village near Camp Phoenix. Purgerson is the camp commander and conducts foot patrols throughout the community to learn how Soldiers can better support Afghanistan. Photo: Capt. Marvin J. Baker, 136th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Public Affairs

Now, said Chief Warrant Officer Beau Tidrick, who works with the local vendors, organizers ask the Ud Khiel leaders and the long-term venders on the camp who might best benefit from gaining access to a business and customers on Camp Phoenix.

In Afghanistan's male-dominated society, a woman's value is determined by her ability to bear and raise children. Although few men here consider how women might otherwise contribute to the family, Kabul is steadily changing the way it thinks.

"It's the local men here who are supporting the local women," said Purgerson.

In addition to hosting the recurring bazaars, Purgerson also supports the education plans of a local girls' school principal. Ten years ago, most women in Afghanistan where not allowed to attend school. Since then, Afghan women have seen gains in support for education, economic roles at home and community interaction. Coalition forces also support the increasing importance women have in the future of Afghanistan's security and stability.

The camp's projects to build and refurbish schools will prove invaluable for building a foundation for Afghan education. These schools, especially the girls' schools around Ud Khiel are currently little more than pitched canvas tents on donated land.

"The school principal isn't needy, but needs help understanding how to negotiate the Afghan education system," Purgerson said. "We want to help bridge the gap, build capacity and impart business skills, and we will continue to do that."