NANGARHAR - Participants of a one-day conference on “Women’s Problems and Ways of Solution” in Nangarhar province earlier this week highlighted the need for increased and active participation of women in the upcoming presidential and provincial council elections slated for 5 April 2014.

Over 300 women activists, government officials and members of Provincial Council attended the conference held on 16 September, which was organized by the Office of the Provincial Governor in collaboration with the Gender Equality Project of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

In her comments on the occasion, the acting head of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) sub-office in Nangarhar, Sabrina, said that despite hectic efforts by UN agencies, Afghan Government and international community to ensure women’s rights, still there were difficulties hampering women’s development. She pointed out traditional and customary perceptions towards women’s role in the society a key hindrance for women’s development.

“To eliminate such traditions, and to convince our families and elders to allow their daughters and sisters study and take part in the social and political life, we have to raise awareness through media, preaching in the mosques and other social gathering,” added she.

The Deputy Provincial Governor, Muhammad Hanif Gardiwal, also shared similar views and termed family restrictions over the movement of women the main obstacle for women to play their social role and work on government positions.

Mr. Gardiwal expressed his concern over inadequate representation of women in various government bodies.

“There are many reasons, but family restrictions could be the most important reason avoiding women for taking active role in social and political activities,” he added.

The Deputy Governor also expressed concern over the insufficient participation of women in the ongoing voters’ registration process.

The head of Provincial Department of Women’s Affairs (DoWA) stressed the need for setting up mobile voter registration teams to reach maximum women in the rural areas of Afghanistan. She also demanded from the Afghan government establishment of gynecological hospital for women in the province.

The speeches were followed by open discussions on problems facing the women in the region and participants suggested their solutions to the Provincial government.