HERAT - Empowerment of Afghan women and their increased participation in the country’s economic and political development was at the centre of a lively UNAMA-backed debate in the western Farah province this week.  

Some 20 participants, including women’s rights activists, government officials, business owners and members of the media, gathered in Farah’s capital city for the event, part of a series of debates in the western region backed by the Herat regional office of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).

Event participants discussed the situation of Farah women, particularly in rural areas, and deliberated on ways to increase women’s participation in the country’s economic and political development.

Shahla Abobakr, a member of Farah’s Provincial Council, cited the need for practical programmes and concrete steps to empower women in the province. “Farah’s businesswomen, and a committed government, must focus on ways to minimize the challenges women face, and must work to develop capacity to raise funds for business and other projects,” she stressed.

Farah, the fourth largest province in Afghanistan, is located in the country’s west at the cross-roads of ancient trade routes. Consisting mostly of sparsely populated rural communities, Farah shares a long border with Iran and plays a key role in Afghanistan’s regional trade.

Abdul Raheem Ishaqzai, the mayor of Farah, described plans for a new market in the provincial capital designed to give businesswomen an opportunity to sell their wares. “The plan is finalized and we are working to start building a series of shops in Farah for women,” he said.

While Farah is vital to Afghanistan’s economy, the restive province has faced security challenges for many years, leading to diminished government capacity to deliver services such as education and healthcare.

Participants in the lively debate this week agreed that improving access to education and continuing to raise awareness about women’s rights are fundamental to Afghan women’s economic empowerment.

Amir Mohammad Ayoubi, the head of Farah’s Peace Council, said that empowering women is not only good for the economy but also crucial for peace and stability.

“Many women face economic hardship,” he said. “For a better future of the country and for a better future of the people in Farah, women must be supported by their families to work outside the home, in government or non-government institutions or businesses.”

Local radio stations recorded and later broadcast the debate, reaching an audience estimated at 200,000 people in and around Farah.

UNAMA is mandated to support the Afghan Government and the people of Afghanistan as a political mission that provides 'good offices' among other key services. 'Good offices' are diplomatic steps UN takes publicly and in private, drawing on its independence, impartiality and integrity, to prevent international disputes from arising, escalating or spreading.

UNAMA also promotes coherent development support by the international community; assists 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.