JALALABAD - Education is an essential foundation for improving women’s rights, said panellists in a UN-backed radio discussion broadcast live to Nangarhar audiences in and around the provincial capital of Jalalabad.

In the discussion, facilitated by local outlet Safa Radio, panellists deliberated about ways to improve education for women and talked about a range of other issues around women’s rights.

“Inheritance is a major issue for women in Nangarhar,” said Malalay Maiwand, a civil society activist who stressed that the issue is one of many harmful traditional practices that discriminate against women.

Other panellists agreed, and suggested that education be prioritized in the eastern region to help change long-practiced traditions and transform perceptions about Afghan women in society.

As in many parts of Afghanistan, women in the eastern region are faced with many challenges, including poverty and illiteracy. While the Afghan government has taken steps to protect and improve the welfare of women through legislation, the situation remains unchanged for many women, especially in regions of the country where harmful traditional practices are still prevalent.

The radio programme, supported by UNAMA’s Jalalabad regional office, was broadcast to an audience estimated at 500,000 as part of country-wide outreach initiative aimed at creating platforms for local communities to engage in dialogue on key issues.

UNAMA supports the Afghan people and government to achieve peace and stability. In accordance with its mandate as a political mission, UNAMA backs conflict prevention and resolution, promoting inclusion and social cohesion, as well as strengthening regional cooperation. The Mission supports effective governance, promoting national ownership and accountable institutions that are built on respect for human rights.

UNAMA provides 'good offices' and other key services, including diplomatic steps that draw on the organization’s independence, impartiality and integrity to prevent disputes from arising, escalating or spreading. The Mission coordinates international support for Afghan development and humanitarian priorities.