BAMYAN – Violence against women should have no place in Afghan society stressed participants of a UN-backed radio series in Bamyan and Daikundi provinces.

Featuring discussions by women’s rights activists, civil society representatives, religious scholars and government officials, the radio programmes called for the end to gender-based violence, including measures to strengthen implementation of Afghanistan’s Elimination of Violence Against Women (EVAW) legislation.

“Islam prohibits all forms of violence against women at home and in the society,” said Ali Rahmani a prominent Islamic scholar in Daikundi, whose views were supported by other Islamic scholars, stressing that violence against women is inconsistent with Islamic values and teachings.

Although the Afghan government has taken steps to improve the welfare of women and eliminate gender-based violence through legislation, the situation remains unchanged for many women across Afghanistan, especially in remote areas of the country where harmful traditional practices are prevalent. EVAW criminalizes acts of violence against women and harmful practices including child marriage, forced marriage, forced self-immolation, and 18 other acts of violence against women including rape and beating.

Panelists called for more programmes to raise awareness on EVAW as well as its strict implementation especially in remote districts were violence against women is most prevalent.

The radio discussions, which were supported by the Bamyan regional office of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), were broadcast to an estimated audience of 300,000 listeners in Bamyan and Daikundi provinces.

UNAMA supports the Afghan people and government to achieve peace and stability. In accordance with its mandate as a political mission, UNAMA backs conflict prevention and resolution, promoting inclusion and social cohesion, as well as strengthening regional cooperation. The Mission supports effective governance, promoting national ownership and accountable institutions that are built on respect for human rights.

UNAMA provides 'good offices' and other key services, including diplomatic steps that draw on the organization’s independence, impartiality and integrity to prevent disputes from arising, escalating or spreading. The Mission coordinates international support for Afghan development and humanitarian priorities.