Afghanistan Times
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Afghan women now have better access to justice, healthcare and education, even as they have a long way to go to be anywhere near international standards, a top diplomat said on Monday.
“Afghanistan still has far to go on women’s rights and status, but the national unity government will continue to lead the way, and to lead by example,” said Afghan Ambassador to the US Hamdullah Mohib.
In a statement on International Women’s Day, he said President Ashraf Ghani and First Lady Rula Ghani were passionate about changing the reality for millions of Afghan women by expanding their ability to earn money and build their dreams.
Mohib said Ghani had issued a decree ordering the review of all cases of women detained on charges of moral crimes. Out of 402 women detained, 255 have already been released.
The government has appointed two women as governors; nominated the first Afghan woman to be a Supreme Court judgeand the Supreme Court issued a ruling that barred the common practice of imprisoning females who ran away from their families.
It also approved an anti-harassment regulation to improve the work environment for women in the public sector that addressed complaints related to harassment, support for victimsand opportunities for women in employment and education.
“President Ghani and First Lady Rula Ghani inaugurated the country’s first Trust Fund for Victims of Violence against Women by making the first donations themselves. Ghani also announced all members of his Cabinet would donate 15 percent of one month’s salary to the Fund.”
Mohib said these actions and many more — particularly in the areas of economic empowerment and educational opportunities — set an example at the highest level that women must not be treated as second-class citizens. (PAN)
