KABUL - The integral role of Afghan women in the country’s social, political and economic spheres was emphasized by a top UN envoy during a meeting with future leaders in Kabul today.

“We have a commitment to women’s leadership and we are supporting them to play leadership roles,” said Nicholas Haysom, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of UNAMA.

To encourage and promote women, the UN envoy also said that UNAMA is working to recruit more women in its mission.

The 17 young women who spoke with Mr. Haysom today are part of a USAID leadership skills course. They talked at length with the UN envoy about their work and their hopes for the future of Afghanistan.

Danielle Bell, UNAMA’s Director of Human Rights, briefed the students about the UN’s human rights work in Afghanistan, particularly its reporting on protection of civilians, protection of children, implementation of the Elimination of Violence against Women (EVAW) law and rights of detainees.

“Don’t listen to people who say women should stay at home,” said Ms. Bell. “Try to be leaders in your respective fields and set examples for others to follow you.”

One of the visiting students, Shazia Sultani, said she was encouraged after meeting professional women working in fields such as human rights. “I am more motivated than ever before to carry on my journey toward becoming a leader in Afghan society,” she said.

The USAID leadership skills course provides opportunities to tens of thousands of young women to acquire the skills they need to advance in Afghan society.

UNAMA is mandated to support Afghan institutions and civil society groups to enhance women’s meaningful contribution to Afghanistan’s political and security transition, including the peace-building agenda.