Business Council for Peace

Mission

Bpeace helps women in regions of conflict and post-conflict build self-sustaining businesses to support their families and strengthen their abilities to foster peace. We currently have programs in Afghanistan and Rwanda. Our belief is that when women are stronger economically, they have a stronger voice for peace in their local communities and societies.

Programs

Our programs focus on 50 Rwanda and Afghanistan female entrepreneurs and include: The provision of Pro-Bono Consulting Services; the Economic Development Fund for access to capital; the Bpeace Apprentice Road Trip that will bring Afghan Female Entrepreneurs to New York in 2008 for 3 weeks of intensive training; the construction of an Afghan Pre-School in Kabul; the development of the Rangeen Kaman Cooperative Retail Store in Kabul; and the creation of a Rwanda Beauty Salon Vocational School.

Current Projects on GlobalGiving

Build a preschool for 150 children in Afghanistan

Personnel Overview

Marla Gitterman - Program Director
Prior to Bpeace, Ms. Gitterman worked at Women’s World Banking, an international network of microfinance organizations. Marla has 15 years experience working for national and international nonprofit organizations that focus on women's social and economic empowerment, refugee relief, human rights, and sustainable development. She has a Masters Degree from the School for International Training.

Habiba - Pre-school Director
Habiba is a teacher, entrepreneur, and a leader. She has 18 years experience as a teacher and principal, runs a handicraft business, and is an Advisory Board Member of the Afghan Women's Business Federation, Head of Zinab Hassina Handicraft Company, people representative of District 6, and Head of Afghan Women Business Handicraft Association.

Personnel Statistics

Toni Maloney,
Chair, Governing Board
Founded in 2002
Employees: 5
Volunteers: 177

Financial Statistics

Budget (2006): $ 643,200
Budget (2005): $ 329,403
Maximum Budget: $ 750,000
Overhead: 9 %
Other funding sources: US State Department Grants, Corporate Support, Individual Donations, Licensing of training materials, In-kind donations and services
Religious Affiliation: none