The Asia Foundation

In Mongolia, trafficking in persons for commercial and sexual exploitation is on the rise, though relatively few cases have been tried, and fewer perpetrators convicted. Law enforcement and judicial officials face daunting challenges in...

In Mongolia, trafficking in persons for commercial and sexual exploitation is on the rise, though relatively few cases have been tried, and fewer perpetrators convicted. Law enforcement and judicial officials face daunting challenges in their efforts to investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate human trafficking cases. Though Mongolian anti-trafficking statutes were significantly strengthened in early 2008, weaknesses remain in the interpretation and implementation of the legal code.

Vietnamese version of press release announcing a new grant of $500,000 from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for a two-year project to strengthen the Government of Vietnam's ongoing anti-trafficking efforts in the...

Vietnamese version of press release announcing a new grant of $500,000 from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for a two-year project to strengthen the Government of Vietnam's ongoing anti-trafficking efforts in the Mekong Delta. The new project will reach 40,000 students through education and training.

For more than 20 years, The Asia Foundation has worked to empower Nepali women. Nepal is one of the least-developed countries in the world and experiences high rates of poverty, exacerbating the cultural disadvantages faced by Nepali...

For more than 20 years, The Asia Foundation has worked to empower Nepali women. Nepal is one of the least-developed countries in the world and experiences high rates of poverty, exacerbating the cultural disadvantages faced by Nepali women. To increase women’s opportunities and improve their status, the Foundation has protected women’s legal rights and reformed discriminatory laws and policies; provided educational scholarships to disadvantaged girls; supported vocational training and job placement for young women at-risk of trafficking and trafficking survivors; and trained women to run for elected office to ensure their needs are reflected in public decisionmaking.

For over 50 years, The Asia Foundation has been cooperating with Indonesian organizations to expand women’s rights and opportunities, and enable them to participate and be effective leaders in the political and economic life of their...

For over 50 years, The Asia Foundation has been cooperating with Indonesian organizations to expand women’s rights and opportunities, and enable them to participate and be effective leaders in the political and economic life of their society.

The Asia Foundation’s Women’s Empowerment Program is committed to improving the lives and livelihood of women throughout Pakistan. With over 54 years of experience on-the-ground in Pakistan, our programs include initiatives to...

The Asia Foundation’s Women’s Empowerment Program is committed to improving the lives and livelihood of women throughout Pakistan. With over 54 years of experience on-the-ground in Pakistan, our programs include initiatives to encourage women to vote, raise women’s awareness of their rights, and give women the skills to earn an income. The Asia Foundation has just completed a very successful 18-month long program to empower impoverished women in eight provinces in Pakistan. The goal of the project was to train women to use new technologies and understand markets so that they could become successful as entrepreneurs.

The Asia Foundation and its Asian partners help women develop the skills they need to run effective political campaigns and build broad-based public support. Our programs encourage women to engage in political and decisionmaking processes...

The Asia Foundation and its Asian partners help women develop the skills they need to run effective political campaigns and build broad-based public support. Our programs encourage women to engage in political and decisionmaking processes and contribute to increased government accountability to all citizens.

The women of Afghanistan face a number of daunting social and humanitarian challenges. Two of the most pressing are the inability to participate fully in all aspects of Afghan society and the lack of access to education. The Asia...

The women of Afghanistan face a number of daunting social and humanitarian challenges. Two of the most pressing are the inability to participate fully in all aspects of Afghan society and the lack of access to education. The Asia Foundation supports the Ministry of Women’s Affairs Initiative to Support Policy and Advocacy (MISPA). MISPA is committed to strengthening the Ministry’s skills in leadership, communication, outreach, and networking among staff at the national level as well at the provincial level through the 34 local offices.

This report examines the incidence of prostitution and human trafficking at mine sites across Mongolia. It includes surveys with 300 community members at eight sites, both soum and bagh centers and mine sites, as well as surveys of 16 sex...

This report examines the incidence of prostitution and human trafficking at mine sites across Mongolia. It includes surveys with 300 community members at eight sites, both soum and bagh centers and mine sites, as well as surveys of 16 sex workers at six mine sites. Interviews were conducted from July 20 to July 30, 2008 by teams organized by the Population Teaching and Research Center (PTRC) under the direction of Dr. Enkhtsetseg Byambaa with funding from The Asia Foundation.

Mongolian Version: his report examines the incidence of prostitution and human trafficking at mine sites across Mongolia. It includes surveys with 300 community members at eight sites, both soum and bagh centers and mine sites, as well as...

Mongolian Version: his report examines the incidence of prostitution and human trafficking at mine sites across Mongolia. It includes surveys with 300 community members at eight sites, both soum and bagh centers and mine sites, as well as surveys of 16 sex workers at six mine sites.
Interviews were conducted from July 20 to July 30, 2008 by teams organized by the Population Teaching and Research Center (PTRC) under the direction of Dr. Enkhtsetseg Byambaa with funding from The Asia Foundation.

Lessons learned and practical experiences for future program design and implementation. 2002-2008. The report features an overview culled from The Foundation's experience in implementing program interventions in collaboration with an expanding...

Lessons learned and practical experiences for future program design and implementation. 2002-2008. The report features an overview culled from The Foundation's experience in implementing program interventions in collaboration with an expanding network of local and international partners that share our commitment to bettering the lives of trafficking victims and protecting those at-risk of being trafficked.

The Asia Foundation's Women's Empowerment program opens up economic opportunities for women. Working with local partners, our projects provide women with the full range of tools they need to be productive and profitable, including job training...

The Asia Foundation's Women's Empowerment program opens up economic opportunities for women. Working with local partners, our projects provide women with the full range of tools they need to be productive and profitable, including job training and networking, access to credit, and business management training. Our projects also educate women workers on their rights and help them mobilize to reform discriminatory laws and demand fair and equal treatment in the workplace.

The Asia Foundation re-established an office in Kabul in February 2002 to launch new program initiatives in key areas central to the development of post-Taliban Afghanistan. Essential among these initiatives is the creation of a functional...

The Asia Foundation re-established an office in Kabul in February 2002 to launch new program initiatives in key areas central to the development of post-Taliban Afghanistan. Essential among these initiatives is the creation of a functional system of education which is vital for long-term reconstruction of the country.

In Mongolian-

Everyday across Asia men, women, and children are deceived, lured across borders and exploited. Mongolia is not immune to this crime. Cases have been recorded, but the scope and number of Mongolian victims is unknown. A...

In Mongolian-

Everyday across Asia men, women, and children are deceived, lured across borders and exploited. Mongolia is not immune to this crime. Cases have been recorded, but the scope and number of Mongolian victims is unknown. A partnership between government, civil society organizations and law enforcement officials is forming to prevent and prosecute trafficking, and to protect victims. On April 26 and 27, The Asia Foundation and USAID’s regional trafficking advisor organized a seminar to strengthen the capacity of government, civil society and police to counter trafficking, and improve prevention, protection and prosecution under Mongolian and international law.

The Mongolian Women Farmers’ Association (MWFA) is a non-governmental, non-profit organization, established in 1999. The association’s main activities are to train single-parent women-headed households to grow and sell organic...

The Mongolian Women Farmers’ Association (MWFA) is a non-governmental, non-profit organization, established in 1999. The association’s main activities are to train single-parent women-headed households to grow and sell organic vegetables and poultry, and thereby increase their income.

In 2006 and 2007, The Asia Foundation (TAF) provided grants to the MWFA as part of its program promoting economic development and fighting against domestic violence. This report is an evaluation and assessment of the benefits and impacts of the project. 

The Asia Foundation’s East Timor programs support the development of democratic institutions and processes and the active participation of women at the national and local levels in all aspects of nation-building. The Foundation...

The Asia Foundation’s East Timor programs support the development of democratic institutions and processes and the active participation of women at the national and local levels in all aspects of nation-building. The Foundation cooperates with Timorese organizations to increase opportunities for women in this new democracy.

Fundasaun Ázia nia programa sira iha Timor- Leste tulun dezenvolvimentu ba instituisaun demokrátika no prosesu sira, no partisipasaun ativa feto sira nian iha nivel nasionál no lokál iha aspetu hotu-hotu prosesu...

Fundasaun Ázia nia programa sira iha Timor- Leste tulun dezenvolvimentu ba instituisaun demokrátika no prosesu sira, no partisipasaun ativa feto sira nian iha nivel nasionál no lokál iha aspetu hotu-hotu prosesu harii nasaun nian. Fundasaun koopera ho organizasaun Timór sira hodi aumenta oportunidade ba feto sira iha demokrasia foun ida ne’e.

An estimated 600,000-800,000 women, and children are trafficked across international borders each year, approximately 80 percent are young women and girls, and up to 50 percent are minors. Everyday across Asia men, women, and children are...

An estimated 600,000-800,000 women, and children are trafficked across international borders each year, approximately 80 percent are young women and girls, and up to 50 percent are minors. Everyday across Asia men, women, and children are deceived, lured across borders and exploited. Mongolia is not immune to this crime. The Asia Foundation and its newest partner, the 55,000 member strong, Mongolian Students’ Union (MSU) launched a major campaign to prevent trafficking in May.

On March 26-28, 2007 the Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs, the Asia Foundation and the National Center for State Courts (NCSC), with support from USAID and the U.S. Department of State, organized a national forum on the “Palermo...

On March 26-28, 2007 the Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs, the Asia Foundation and the National Center for State Courts (NCSC), with support from USAID and the U.S. Department of State, organized a national forum on the “Palermo Convention and Domestic Legislation” for government, law enforcement, NGOs and international organizations. More than 150 people participated in the three-day conference, the purpose of which was to combat trafficking in persons by building support for ratification of the Palermo Protocol and amendments of the Criminal and Criminal Procedures codes during the spring session of parliament.

The recent TAF/GEC survey confirmed that a growing number of low-income or unemployed girls between 19 – 35 years old are the most vulnerable to human trafficking. Vulnerability is defined as a desire to work or study abroad, combined...

The recent TAF/GEC survey confirmed that a growing number of low-income or unemployed girls between 19 – 35 years old are the most vulnerable to human trafficking. Vulnerability is defined as a desire to work or study abroad, combined with a low standard of living and willingness to accept offers of work and study from individuals.

The Asia Foundation provided a grant to the Mongolian Women Farmers’ Association (MWFA) which now trains 500 poor households every year to raise vegetables and poultry, and thereby generate income. This effort is intended to reduce...

The Asia Foundation provided a grant to the Mongolian Women Farmers’ Association (MWFA) which now trains 500 poor households every year to raise vegetables and poultry, and thereby generate income. This effort is intended to reduce poverty, inspire micro-entrepreneurship, build stronger communities and neighbourhoods, and discourage social ills such as alcoholism, and domestic violence against women and children.

Mongolian version

The Asia Foundation provided a grant to the Mongolian Women Farmers’ Association (MWFA) which now trains 500 poor households every year to raise vegetables and poultry, and thereby generate income. This effort...

Mongolian version

The Asia Foundation provided a grant to the Mongolian Women Farmers’ Association (MWFA) which now trains 500 poor households every year to raise vegetables and poultry, and thereby generate income. This effort is intended to reduce poverty, inspire micro-entrepreneurship, build stronger communities and neighbourhoods, and discourage social ills such as alcoholism, and domestic violence against women and children.

In September 2006, The Asia Foundation (TAF) Mongolia launched a major research effort to assess the impacts of its partner and grantee, the Mongolian Women Farmers’ Association (MWFA). The research seeks to evaluate whether the...

In September 2006, The Asia Foundation (TAF) Mongolia launched a major research effort to assess the impacts of its partner and grantee, the Mongolian Women Farmers’ Association (MWFA). The research seeks to evaluate whether the Association is reaching its objectives in empowering women through financial independence and increased household income, and it is a monitoring and evaluation tool that will be adopted by the MWFA.

This report entitled "Human Trafficking in Mongolia: Risks, Vulnerability and Trauma" presents the results of a survey conducted by the Mongolian Gender Equality Center (GEC) with financial and technical support from The Asia Foundation, and...

This report entitled "Human Trafficking in Mongolia: Risks, Vulnerability and Trauma" presents the results of a survey conducted by the Mongolian Gender Equality Center (GEC) with financial and technical support from The Asia Foundation, and which was made possible by a grant from the United States Department of State. The nationwide survey assessed the scope and incidence of human trafficking within, through, and from Mongolia. The survey was conducted from June - August 2006 in provincial centers and eleven corresponding villages across the country. In addition, the survey examined eight Ulaanbaatar districts, and three of the main border points: Bulgan village in Khovd, Khavirga village in Dornod, and Zamiin-Uud village in Dornogobi.

Across Asia, there is a growing commitment to
democratic principles of governance and citizen
participation. However, in many Asian countries,
women still face serious cultural, social, and legal
barriers that constrain...

Across Asia, there is a growing commitment to
democratic principles of governance and citizen
participation. However, in many Asian countries,
women still face serious cultural, social, and legal
barriers that constrain their full participation in
democratic processes. The Asia Foundation works
with local partners across the Asia-Pacific region
to increase the number of women voting; improve
the quality of women’s votes; encourage that elections
are free and fair and ensure that women’s
votes are counted; and help women to enter politics
and become candidates and leaders themselves.

People are bought and sold as commodities and held in bondage all around the world today. Human trafficking is the forced movement of persons across international borders for the purpose of forced prostitution and labor, and this crime is...

People are bought and sold as commodities and held in bondage all around the world today. Human trafficking is the forced movement of persons across international borders for the purpose of forced prostitution and labor, and this crime is increasing worldwide and in Mongolia. The numbers of trafficked victims is growing rapidly in Mongolia: Two victims were reported in 2000; 30 – 40 known victims have been reported in the first half of 2006. Disadvantaged by poor economic conditions, most of these Mongolian women are lured and deceived by false newspaper advertisements that promise lucrative jobs abroad and educational scholarships in foreign countries.

Mongolian version

People are bought and sold as commodities and held in bondage all around the world today. Human trafficking is the forced movement of persons across international borders for the purpose of forced prostitution and...

Mongolian version

People are bought and sold as commodities and held in bondage all around the world today. Human trafficking is the forced movement of persons across international borders for the purpose of forced prostitution and labor, and this crime is increasing worldwide and in Mongolia. The numbers of trafficked victims is growing rapidly in Mongolia: Two victims were reported in 2000; 30 – 40 known victims have been reported in the first half of 2006. Disadvantaged by poor economic conditions, most of these Mongolian women are lured and deceived by false newspaper advertisements that promise lucrative jobs abroad and educational scholarships in foreign countries.