KHOST- Government officials in Khost urged ulemas in the province to explain and educate the public in women’s rights, through the teachings and principles of Islam.

This call by the director of women’s affairs took place at a function that was attended by officials, religious leaders, elders and civil society, to mark the 16 days of violence against women campaign.

Bibi Hawa Amiri, Director of Women Affairs, also emphasized on the need for girls’ education to reduce violence against women.

Maulavi Shafiqulla, a religious scholar, said that women in Afghan society “are subjected to multiple discriminations on ground of gender and traditional practices that are inconsistent with the principles of Islam.”

Members of the provinicial council also urged the Government and the religious figures to play their due role in ending violence against women and in stopping harmful traditional practices such as forced marriages, honor killing, and baad.

In other events in the province, the department of women’s affairs also briefed students, teachers, and female government officials on human rights.

By Dilawar Khan Dilawar UNAMA