MAIDAN SHAHR - An open forum, in which women expressed their views on women’s participation on peace, security and political initiatives before an audience of local authorities and political leaders – including the provincial governor – was a key component of an event held in central Maidan Wardak province this week.

Hayatullah Hayat, the Provincial Governor, welcomed more than 50 people to the UNAMA-supported one-day workshop in the provincial capital Maidan Shahr. The province, which is characterised by rugged mountains and isolated rural communities, is one of the most insecure areas of the country. Women have faced ongoing challenges to their rights and participation political and social life in the province, while a deteriorating security situation has further limited access to justice, work, health and education services. 

Participants included a cross-section of women from the community, including teachers, health professionals, representatives of consultative committees and university students, along with representatives of the provincial council and provincial peace council, officials with the department of women’s affairs, public health and education, civil society groups and media.

The workshop gave women space to voice their views on the situation of women’s rights and gender mainstreaming in rural districts of the province, and by doing so to raise awareness among provincial authorities and political actors about the challenges affecting women’s participation. Women speakers highlighted the security situation and cultural constraints as among their major challenges, yet were also upbeat about progress being made.  

Sabera Ahmadi, a student, said in some cases families are easing up on strict restrictions on girls’ education. “There are positive changes, with some families supporting girls to get an education,” said Ms. Ahmadi.  

Another participant, Sadaf -- a teacher at a girls’ school -- pointed to a lack of available resources, including classrooms and text books. “Despite such problems, girls are coming to school in larger numbers,” said Sadaf.

Shafiqa Wardak, a health worker, said there is a real need for women’s health services and despite all the challenges, health workers are reaching women from remote areas of the province.

Mina Ahmad, a representative of the Women Affairs Department, said that while there have been restrictions on women’s participation in public life, improvements are being seen. Ms. Ahmad said there are opportunities for women in a variety of sectors, including the police force, which is seeing an increase in female enlistment.

The Provincial Governor, Mr. Hayat, said that Islam has given full rights to women to be active in all spheres of public life, but the problem is a lack of awareness: “Based on our constitution and laws, we should protect the rights of women, who comprise half of society,” said Mr. Hayat, noting the dire need for more women’s participation in the health, education, social and political fields.    

“There is women participation in public life, but it is not enough. It is government’s responsibility to provide opportunities for women, and women should also stand up for their rights,” said the Governor.

The workshop follows a similar event in Maidan Wardak province last month, held under the auspices of International Women’s Day, in which participants pointed to concerns about challenges facing women’s political participation and decision making. The current event, referenced UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security, and subsequent resolutions. Resolution 1325, in part, reaffirms the important place of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts and peace-building, and urges all actors to increase the participation of women and incorporate gender perspectives.    

UNAMA is mandated to support the Afghan Government and relevant international and local non-governmental organizations to assist in the full implementation of the fundamental freedoms and human rights provisions of the Afghan Constitution and international treaties to which Afghanistan is a State party, in particular those regarding the full enjoyment by women of their human rights.