U.S. Awards Scholarships to New Generation of Women Economists in Pakistan

Islamabad, December 23, 2009 - U.S. Ambassador Anne W. Patterson poses with recipients of the Women's Leadership Training in Economics scholarship during a reception held in Islamabad.

December 23, 2009

Islamabad - In a reception held today in Islamabad, U.S. Ambassador Anne W. Patterson congratulated recipients of the 2009 Women's Leadership Training in Economics (WLTIE) scholarship award, as they prepare to begin a two-year Master's degree program in the United States in January.

The program, funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development, seeks to develop a new generation of women economists who will become leaders in economic policy-making and serve as role models for future generations.

This year, the program awarded scholarships to 31 women from eight countries including Tanzania, Nepal, Sierra Leone, Angola, Vietnam, Ecuador, Pakistan, and Guinea-Conakry.  Eight women were selected from Pakistan through a highly competitive process-the largest number of candidates from one country.  The awardees will study applied policy economics at the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee and the State University of New York in Buffalo.

"I am confident that this scholarship program will be the next step on the path to achieving your goals," Ambassador Patterson told awardees. "Your experience will foster skills that will guide you as you draft policy, shape Pakistan's economic agenda, and provide models for the women who follow you."