KABUL - To engage men and boys as advocates for equality and women’s rights in Afghanistan, UN Women launched the HeForShe campaign in Kabul today.

The campaign kicked off last year with various nations promoting advocacy initiatives at regional and national levels. Running now in Afghanistan under the theme of “a brave man stands for women,” the HeForShe campaign serves as a call for men and boys to take action for women’s rights.

“It is a solidarity movement that brings together one half of humanity in support of the other half of humanity for the benefit of all,” said Elzira Sagynbaeva, Country Director of UN Women in Afghanistan, in a speech at the campaign launch event.

The status of women in Afghanistan is a paradox, said Ms. Sagynbaeva, who noted that, on one hand, Afghan women are highly valued for their role in binding families together, while on the other hand, their rights are undermined by harmful traditional practices.

While many of these practices are carried out under the pretext of safeguarding the honour of women and girls, she stressed, standing strong for the rights of mothers, sisters, wives and daughters is the best way to demonstrate honour. Ms. Sagynbaeva called upon Afghan men and boys to take positive action for the women and girls in their communities.

The Kabul event was attended by women’s rights activists, Afghan civil society members and government representatives.