UNAMA underlines women inclusion in political process

KABUL’s political processes.

Speaking after a meeting with Afghan women parliamentarians, Kubis congratulated the women of Afghanistan on their participation in the elections – as voters, electoral workers, observers and candidates.

“Through  such  action  women’s  voices  and  concerns can help improve the country’s  political  life,” said Mr. Kubiš, who is also head of the United Nations  Assistance  Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). “Women’s participation in national decision-making not only strengthens the representative nature of government institutions but is central to improved development and economic indicators.”

As part of their campaigning, all candidates made significant pledges on issues of importance to women.  This included commitments to increase women’s   participation   in   their   administrations,   improve economic empowerment and work place participation, as well as to combat violence and discrimination against women and girls.

“Voters will, quite reasonably, expect the next President to honour pre-election pledges and ensure that there is a real change and improvement in the lives of Afghan women and girls,” said Mr. Kubiš.

The   meeting   with   parliamentarians   was   part of UNAMA’s mandated consultations with all electoral stakeholders, including regular exchanges with   female   politicians   and civil society.  Ensuring  women’s  full participation  in  the  political  process  and in peace and reconciliation negotiations  was underscored as a priority together with the importance of merit-based  appointments  to  safeguard  women’s  inclusion  in  strategic decision-making  positions  and  roles in the new government.  In line with United  Nations  Security Council Resolutions 1325 and 2122 on women, peace and  security both the current and future Afghan governments are obliged to ensure   women’s  meaningful  participation  in  decision-making  roles  in political and peace and negotiation processes.

“I encourage women to remind candidates of the commitments they made during their campaigns to improve respect for women’s rights.” said Mr. Kubiš. “Women  have performed a critical role in the electoral process reinforcing their  expectations  that  women  will  be  included  in  shaping  the next government.”

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