New Delhi, May 8 (IANS): The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced a $1.5 million, three-year award for SEWA, a women's cooperative based in India.

Under this, the Self Employed Women's Association, with a membership exceeding 1.9 million, will partner with government and civil society stakeholders in India and Afghanistan to develop skills among women.

Over 3,000 Afghan women will be trained in vocational skills including embroidery, garment stitching, food processing and jewellery making as well as in leadership and marketing, said a statement from the US embassy.

Making the announcement during his visit to SEWA's Hansiba store here, USAID's acting administrator Alfonso Lenhardt drew upon the strategic partnership among the US, India and Afghanistan that made a "significant" contribution to stability and prosperity in the region.

"The empowerment of women and girls is essential for sustained peace and progress. By partnering with such an immensely talented and committed organization as SEWA, our three governments are helping thousands of Afghan women lead healthy and productive lives," he said.

US envoy to India Richard R. Verma added that the US-India collaboration seeks to harness the strengths and capabilities of both countries to tackle development challenges around the world.

"Our partnership with SEWA to benefit Afghan women is a great example of the expanding India-US global partnership," Verma noted.

India has once before collaborated with SEWA, USAID and the government of Afghanistan to improve the economic and social condition of 150 Afghan women and their families, the release said.