Improving Afghan women’s standing through good governance the topic of expert forum

27 Oct 2016

Improving Afghan women’s standing through good governance the topic of expert forum

BAMYAN - Ways to advance the social and economic standing of Afghan women by promoting good governance were explored by a panel of experts at a UNAMA-backed event in central Bamyan province.

The event drew 15 women from a range of fields from across Bamyan, a mostly rural province located in Afghanistan’s highlands region characterized by mountainous and semi-mountainous terrain.  

Sughra Attayee, a leading women’s rights activist in the province, said that for positive change to happen, it is necessary for women to work together to build networks of advocacy groups.

“Awareness-raising and capacity-building are the ways we can empower women so that they know their rights and their role in society,” said Ms. Attayee.

Gulden Yeroz, an official in the regional office of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), noted that women’s participation in public affairs and their representation in government institutions are keys to good governance and the promotion of women’s rights.

Participants commended the establishment of the government-led Gender and Women’s Affairs Committee, and discussed ways to support its work. The government established committee in 2015 as a mechanism to focus efforts on empowering Afghan women.

UNAMA is mandated to support the Afghan Government and the people of Afghanistan as a political mission that provides good offices; promotes coherent development support by the international community; supports 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.