KABUL - Afghans came together, nationwide, to celebrate women’s contributions and to call for the continued advancement of women in Afghanistan society.

Hundreds of women and men attended International Women’s Day events during the past several days in locations as varied as Jalalabad, Laghman, Kunduz and Herat, joining with millions more around the world to mark the annual day.

In his message for the day, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he remains outraged by the denial of rights to women and girls, but takes heart from the people everywhere who act on the knowledge that women’s empowerment leads to society’s advancement.

A statement today by the UN in Afghanistan pointed to the significant challenges Afghan women face, and cited progress in the promotion of gender equality in the country and increased representation of Afghan women in the workplace.

“Women must be able to participate actively in all political, social and development initiatives across the country, including in any peace processes,” said Nicholas Haysom, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, in the statement.

The UN envoy, who is also head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).said the world body remains committed to advancing women’s meaningful participation in building sustainable peace and security.

Mr. Haysom added that Afghan men and boys have an important role to play in helping to empower women and achieve gender equality in the home, the community and the workplace.

“The United Nations celebrates the achievements made by Afghan women and calls for additional action to address the gaps that still remain in making gender equality a reality for Afghan women and girls,” he said.

In Kabul today, First Lady Rula Ghani spoke at a Ministry of Women’s Affairs event, following her appearance yesterday at an event in Jalalabad, where she highlighted the complementary roles women and men can play in Afghanistan and reiterated her commitment to women’s rights. 

At a Women’s Day event in Mahtarlam, Laghman Provincial Governor Abduljabbar Naimi addressed some 400 people, including local residents, members of civil society and government officials. He said the province is striving to create equal opportunities for girls and boys in Laghman, and praised the nearly 500 women who are working in government departments there.

In Kunduz yesterday, more than 60 people attended a range of Women’s Day programmes, including a debate on the progress of women and future challenges; a theatrical show; and an exhibition of women’s handicrafts and food products.

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.