Madina Qasimi

Afghanistan: Achievements, Challenges and Opportunities for Afghan Women




Thank you Madina Qasimi for your open hearted response to holding our banner. I can only hope that Afghan women continue to build their strength and presence in political, economical and social forums. The dignity of full participation in forming a peaceful society worthy of the future girls of your land is in your hands. May the community of international women continue to support and encourage you on this difficult and precarious path.



This meeting comes at, again, another critical juncture in Afghan history. It is critical for all, including women, because women are the first to be affected. The peace talks( U.S/Taliban) proceed without representation from the Afghan government and without women at the table.


The country’s leading women’s rights group, the Afghan Women’s Network, released a statement calling for “the full, equal and meaningful participation of women” in the negotiations.


The progress that has been made under the conditions of life in Afghanistan is truly remarkable, and every woman on that panel is a true heroine, selfless and dedicated. The panelists spoke about the many advancements in health, security and education. Although Afghanistan remains the second most dangerous country for women,remarkable progress has been made and the women I heard here are fighting hard to have this progress acknowledged by the international community. They will not move backwards, but must move forward together.


The position of the Ministry of Education is clear. It is deeply committed to the girls' education agenda and there is work to be done. Girls represent 40% of the student population, and despite increases in school enrolment since 2001, 3.7 million children remain out of school - 2.2. are girls.
One of the most significant obstacles to 100% enrolment is insecurity. War and learning do not go hand in hand. Lack of school infrastructure; long distances to school; early marriage; low number of qualified female teachers and economic hardships are further barriers.




Ms. Marjan Mateen, Deputy Minister of Education stated clearly, - "Don't let go of what has been achieved in 18 years." It is the key to a sustainable peace and it would take away the identity of the Afghan woman. " Progress is noted in gender inequality which has dropped by 10 percentage points between 2005 and 2017. The website of the Ministry does not show the face of what I heard today - (many photos of men) but I hope the women are getting the credit they deserve!


Their hard won provision for gender equality in the 2004 constitution is actually at stake. The Taliban are calling for a new constitution, and gender equality interferes with stoning. Sorry. Wrong thinking. The women can and will negotiate with the Taliban, and should be doing so right now.








Canada and the War in Afghanistan

Canada's participation in war and conflict is on-going, but often hidden. As a teenager, I was fortunate to travel to Kabul enroute home from a year's study in India. I had long heard stories of family friends, Heinz and Marlies von Richthofen speak about their 50's adventures in the Hindu Kush, travel through the Khyber Pass and their love for this country and her people.


Later on, as a teacher, many of my students were from Base Petawawa and their parents were 'deployed' to Afghanistan. Canada spent an estimated 18 billion fighting in Afghanistan. 159 Canadian solders were killed, 1,800 wounded, 7 Canadian civilians killed, a diplomat, four aid workers a government contractor and a journalist. PTSD and suicides are not included in these statistics. Families of deployed soldiers suffered, and continue to do so.


And in Afghanistan? How many years of war? Here are just a few statistics.


During the war in Afghanistan (2001–present), over 31,000 civilian deaths due to war-related violence have been documented;[1][2] 29,900 civilians have been wounded.[2]Over 111,000 Afghans, including civilians, soldiers and militants, are estimated to have been killed in the conflict.[1] The Cost of War project estimated that the number who have died through indirect causes related to the war may be as high 360,000 additional people based on a ratio of indirect to direct deaths in contemporary conflicts.[3]These numbers do not include those who have died in Pakistan.














Meanwhile, in the Security Council ,where Afghanistan was top of the agenda, Storai Tapesh, Deputy Executive Director of the Afghan Women’s Network organization, raised concerns about the movement towards striking a peace deal with Taliban extremists.


“We, the women of Afghanistan, have cautious optimism for peace. Yet we are concerned – more than ever – that women’s human rights will be compromised in the name of peace.




There is one more personal connection to Afghanistan. After I retired from teaching, Paul and I co-ordinated some of the international volunteers in India. In Switzerland, volunteers were able to learn Gandhian activism as an alternative to military draft. In any case, we also participated in hosting the "Afghan Peace Volunteers". They are inspiring. They are peace activists and community organizers that offer what they have and can do for peace. The Gardens of Sanctuary is one of their latest projects. Take a look.

Gardens of Sanctuary Let us build gardens for each other, not bombs....


”

Peace.


Peace.






Peace.