OVERVIEW

To develop Afghanistan’s higher education sector, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) established the American University of Afghanistan (AUAF) in 2006 in in Kabul. To encourage more female students to enroll, USAID is constructing a new dormitory through its Promote Gender Equity and Women’s Empowerment program.

The three-story, 3,000-square meter dormitory for 200 women students will give priority housing to students from outside of the capital. The dormitory will comply with the International Building Code and include study areas, lounge areas, safe rooms, library and an administration room. Fifteen female recent engineering graduates of Kabul University are participating as interns and receiving on-the-job training during the design and construction period.

ACTIVITIES

• Complete architectural and engineering designs are finalized.
• Structural work is completed.
• Construction of the interior finishes (electrical, communication, plumping, fire alarm, fire sprinkler, and heating and ventilation systems) is in progress.

EXPECTED RESULTS

• Build a safe and secure living and learning environment for Afghanistan’s next generation of female leaders.
• Empower women through equal employment opportunities that contribute to Afghanistan’s economic growth.
• Implement an internship program that gives female engineers the requisite skills and experience to succeed in critically needed professions.