KABUL - An eight-member delegation from the Wolesi Jirga’s Women Committee has visited Bamyan to assess the situation of women during the security transition period, and find positive examples that it can show in other regions of the advancement of women’s rights.

The group met with Governor Habiba Sarabi on Sunday, along with members of the Provincial Council and Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC), and representatives from civil society groups, and the United Nations. The delegation will craft an Action Plan and a set of recommendations based on the discussions and field visits.

Governor Habiba Sarabi highlighted the province’s achievements: high female voter turn-out during elections, enrollment of girls in schools and the high number of women serving in the police and working in business.

Participants discussed some of the main challenges facing Bamyan women, including access to higher education and government decision-making positions.

Fauzia Koofi, who chairs the Women Affairs, Human Rights and Civil Society Committee of the Wolesi Jirga, said the committee will share the lessons learned with other provinces it visits, including Dai Kundi, Ghor and Badakshan.

The committee also visited the Bamyan Hospital and the Bamyan University, and stopped to speak to female shop owners in the center bazaar. The women urged the Parliamentarians to provide continued electric power to Bamyan, an issue Ms. Koofi vowed to raise with the Minister of Power and Energy.

By UNAMA Bamyan