Afghan, Coalition Forces Distribute Sewing Machines

American Forces Press Service

July 10, 2008 - Afghan and coalition forces, in conjunction with a local women's center, distributed more than 130 sewing machines to women in the Gereshk district of Afghanistan's Helmand province July 5 and 6. A representative of the Afghan government's Department of Women's Affairs was present to speak with the local women and to encourage the economic empowerment of Afghan women.

The sewing machines will allow women to provide income for their families, especially widows who were dependent on their husbands for support. Some of the women travelled from villages more than 65 kilometers away, officials said.

(From a Combined Joint Task Force 101 news release.)