President Halonen received a gift of hope

President of the Republic Tarja Halonen met U.S. Ambassador Marilyn Ware at the Presidential Palace on Thursday, 24 January. Ambassador Ware gave President Halonen a handmade rug, weaved by an Afghan single mother Fatima. At the meeting, President Halonen and Ambassador Ware also discussed more generally about improving the position of women and promoting equality in Asia and Africa. Ambassador Ware told that President Halonen is the first head of state to be given this kind of rug.

Ambassador Marilyn Ware (right) and Head of Economic Section Jane Messenger (left) gave President Halonen an Arzu rug. Copyright © Office of the President of the Republic of Finland

The young Afghan woman, who weaved the rug, works for Arzu, a non-profit organisation, which provides 700 Afghan women sustainable income by sourcing and selling the rugs that they weave. The Arzu organisation is run by its founder Connie Duckworth, who visited Finland at the end of last year.

Arzu means hope in Dari. The work of Afghan women improves the finances of many families and provides a better access to education and health care as well independence.

President Halonen warmly thanked Ambassador Ware for the gift. President Halonen highlighted that women make up a half of the world’s population: improving their position and supporting their economic activities is crucial for the global development and security.

The rug has been weaved by 23-year-old Afghan woman Fatima. Copyright © Office of the President of the Republic of Finland

Arzu