KANDAHAR - Two women were recently appointed as provincial-level prosecutors in Kandahar following a UN-backed TV debate on the role of women in the province’s administration of justice.

Several months ago, during a TV debate in Kandahar, facilitated by the regional office of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), women in the audience asked Shabir Ahmad Qayumi, the Provincial Attorney of Kandahar, about the issue of appointing women as prosecutors and judges.

The Provincial Attorney said he would look into the matter, and subsequently appointed two women as prosecutors in Kandahar, a province consisting mostly of rural, conservative communities. The appointments represent the first time, at least in the past decade, that women have occupied this role.

The TV debate, which was broadcast in and around Kandahar, sparked vibrant discussion on social media. A lecturer at Kandahar University told UNAMA that the TV debate was valuable in that it helped the community understand the important role women can play in the justice system.

UNAMA is mandated to support the Afghan Government and the people of Afghanistan as a political mission that provides good offices; promotes coherent development support by the international community; supports the process of peace and reconciliation; monitors and promotes human rights and the protection of civilians in armed conflict; promotes good governance; and encourages regional cooperation.