MEHTARLAM - In a UN-backed radio programme on women and peace, government officials and civil society representatives underlined the need for women in Afghanistan’s eastern region to play an increasingly important role in resolving community conflict.

The radio programme, facilitated by the Jalalabad regional office of UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), featured provincial peace council members, women’s affairs department officials and civil society representatives, each sharing their views on the importance of peace and the role women can play in local and national efforts to build it.

The radio programme was broadcast this week to an audience estimated at 400,000 in Laghman’s capital city of Mehtarlam and the surrounding areas.

Laghman is in eastern Afghanistan, a region that runs up against a rugged border with Pakistan. In Laghman, and in provinces across the country, UNAMA has worked with local media to create programming around the core concepts of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which reaffirms the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflict.

Last month, on 15 May, women from the across Afghanistan gathered at a Kabul symposium hosted by Afghanistan’s First Lady, Rula Ghani, to discuss their vision for peace.

“The United Nations stands in solidarity with Afghan women, and supports all efforts to ensure that women’s involvement in peace is meaningful,” said Tadamichi Yamamoto, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, at the symposium’s opening, stressing that for peace to be sustainable, women must be involved from the outset.

UNAMA, a political mission that provides 'good offices' among other key services, has been supporting the government’s stated efforts to strengthen the implementation of women, peace and security commitments in compliance with Afghanistan’s international obligations.

'Good offices' are diplomatic steps UN takes publicly and in private, drawing on its independence, impartiality and integrity, to prevent international disputes from arising, escalating or spreading.

UNAMA also promotes coherent development support by the international community; assists the process of peace and reconciliation; monitors and promotes human rights and the protection of civilians in armed conflict; promotes good governance; and encourages regional cooperation.