8 June 2011 - The Ministry of Women’s Affairs with support for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) today opened libraries specifically for women in Paktya, Khost and Ghazni provinces.

“Our traditional, social and cultural values do not permit women to utilize public libraries, this library establishment not only ensure women access to study books of their interests but will provided them with an opportunity to sit together and share their views about daily lives,” said Haleema Khazan, the provincial director of women affairs at the opening ceremony of the library in Paktya.

Each of the three libraries was established within the women’s cultural centre in the province.

Each library received about 1,100 books on different topics ranging from politics and medicine to literature and agriculture.

“The idea for the libraries is to provide a source of comprehensive information and emblem of a healthy community allowing people to experience new ideas and providing a place to gather,” said Muna Abuagla, Officer-in-Charge of the UNAMA-Southeast Region.

By UNAMA Gardez