Strengthening communities by empowering Afghan women the aim of UN-backed forum

26 Apr 2016

Strengthening communities by empowering Afghan women the aim of UN-backed forum

MEHTAR LAM - Empowering Afghan women to participate more in public life to help shape the futures of their communities and their country was the aim of a forum held in Laghman, an eastern mountainous province facing numerous security challenges in its mostly rural, remote communities.

About 30 women, including government officials, women’s rights activists, and civil society representatives, came together in the provincial capital of Mehtar Lam. The event, held last week and backed by the Department of Women’s Affairs and UNAMA, follows other similar events held in the eastern region in recent weeks.

As part of the event, UNAMA officials briefed participants on the objectives of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security. The resolution reaffirms the important place of women in the prevention and resolution of conflict and peace-building. 

“Women’s participation in all fields of life is essential, and should be ensured despite challenges,” said Ms. Huma Shirzad, a UNAMA representative. “Of paramount importance is women’s participation in the political process, including elections and the peace process.”

Ms. Shirzad urged Afghan activists to continue to direct their efforts toward the National Action Plan for Women in Afghanistan, which sets out how the government will implement Resolution 1325.

Participants at the meeting expressed hope that the full implementation of the UN resolution, and the country’s Elimination of Violence Against Women legislation, will facilitate the protection of women’s rights and women’s empowerment.

UNAMA is mandated to support the Afghan Government and relevant international and local non-governmental organizations to assist in the full implementation of the fundamental freedoms and human rights provisions of the Afghan Constitution and international treaties to which Afghanistan is a State party, in particular those regarding the full enjoyment by women of their human rights.