Archive for February, 2011

Written by: Project Artemis 2010 mentor Lieutenant Colonel Teresa Wolfgang, currently stationed in Afghanistan.  Zaniab is a 2010 Project Artemis fellow. 

Zainab and I posing in front of one of the Bamyan Buddhas.  The Taliban destroyed the Buddha’s in March 2001.  The Buddha’s are located on the Silk Road – on the way to Dragon Valley  (7 Dec 2010).

In December, I flew up to Bamyan to see Zainab.  As a Project Artemis mentor, I am in a unique situation.  Being stationed in Afghanistan with the US Army affords me the opportunity to build a relationship with my mentee and to check up on other Project Artemis fellows.  I also get a good look into their world and challenges with one difference, I can always leave.

Zainab is an interesting woman.  She is 47 years old and lived through the Taliban era.  She is Hazaran, which means she is of Mongolian decent.  Her tribe makes up approximately 9% of the Afghan population.   She lives in Bamyan Province which is in the center of the country and is recognized as one of the safest.  This has allowed re-building, reconstruction, and private sector business to flourish.  Despite all of this progress, business women must always be cautious not to upset a delicate and fragile balance.  There still may be a few death threats and night letters but overall a female business entrepreneur has a good chance of being successful.  Bamyan also has the only female Governor in the country.

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