Women remind president, CEO of campaign pledges

MAHMOOD RAQI (Pajhwok): Women’s rights activists in Central Kapisa and Parwan provinces on Sunday called for giving females representation in the unity government.

They reminded President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah of their campaign promises to give women a proactive role in different state institutions.

Parwan Women’s Affairs Director Nadira Giyah said: “We want the two leaders to give females adequate representation in the government in line with their campaign pledges.”

She recalled that Parwan’s women, undeterred by a variety of security threats, had courageously participated in the presidential election process. “Now is the time for government leaders to keep their promises.”

Rauzia Nilab, a Kapisa-based rights activist, said: “Afghan women have suffered a lot under different regimes, losing their sons, husbands and brothers. But they turned out in large numbers to vote in last year’s polls.”

She told Pajhwok Afghan News the president and the CEO had held out heartening vows to the women, who were still awaiting their implementation.

On the other hand, Kapisa women lashed out at the administration of former president Hamid Karzai for failing to take concrete measures ameliorate their lot.

Malala, a resident of Tagab district, said: “A lot of money was spent by the previous government on a string of projects in the province. But most of the funds, we hear from many people, were spent uselessly and there has been no change in our lives.”

Their children were going to school but the women could not afford to pay the expenses, Malala said, seeking jobs for females to support their families.

Kapisa Women’s Affairs Director Saifura Kohistani said her department had initiated efforts to resolve the problems of women and girls, who want cabinet seats and job opportunities.

A resident of Jabalus Saraj district, Maryam who cast her vote in both rounds of the presidential elections, urged government leaders to implement their commitments.

Parwan provincial council member Hasba Iffat said, “I am sure the government would introduce women nominees for the remaining cabinet slots, because the president has such plans,”

Kapisa Governor Mehrabuddin Safi agreed women could play as effective role as men in community development and prosperity. He asked government to give women their due share.

mds/mud

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