UN
Empowering Afghan women the focus of UN workshop in Kabul
KABUL - The promotion of women’s greater participation in Afghan society and practical solutions to address the many challenges they face in public life were the main topics at a UN workshop held in the country’s capital of Kabul.
Around 50 people attended the daylong event, including Kabul’s Deputy Provincial Governor, Mohibullah Mohibi, a member of the Kabul Provincial Council, Saida Yari, Head of UNAMA’s Central Field Office, Gabriela Iribarne, and Head of the Kabul Department of Women’s Affairs (DoWA), Karima Salik, along with women’s rights activists from Kabul province.
Participants discussed practical solutions to the problems women face at the district level, such as access to education and health services, ways to increase women’s understanding of their role in society and how women’s participation could be increased.
Mr. Mohibi said the province is committed to provide more opportunities for women to participate in decision-making, especially at the district level.
“We appreciate your courage,” he said. “Despite all the challenges, you are helping the voices of the deprived women in far-flung areas to be heard.”
Ms. Yari said the workshop is a welcome opportunity to hear directly from women, and noted that elements of the discussion would feed into the provincial council’s planning in coordination with the international community.
The principal of a girls’ high school in Shakardara, Masoma Sakhi, said there are many talented young women at her school, but due to traditional restrictions such as early marriage, many leave before completing their education. Ms. Sakhi said there is a need to raise awareness among families about the importance of education.
Wrapping up the workshop, Ms. Iribarne reiterated UNAMA’s commitment to the promotion of women’s rights: “There is still a lot to do, and in coordination with district heads, relevant government departments and the international community, UNAMA will continue its efforts to address the challenges.”
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.
