Afghanistan Women Council

MARCH 22, 2008
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

The International Women’s Day is a day when women are recognized for their achievements regardless
of divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political. It is an occasion for
looking back at past struggles and accomplishments, and more importantly, for looking ahead to the
untapped potential and opportunities that await future generations of women. The 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day was celebrated around the world with much interest and commitment. Afghanistan Women Council also celebrated this day in Kabul at the hall of the Ministry of Culture and Information and in its offices in Kandahar and Jalalabad on March 5, 2008.
Around 400 women from the hall of Ministry of Culture in Kabul, 350 women from the AWC office in
Kandahar and 150 Women from the AWC office in Jalalabad along with a number of high ranking officials from the Afghan government, Parliamentarians, staff from the embassies, professors from Kabul University, women from the UN offices, NGOs and donor agencies, 100 business women from the AWC Micro-Finance program in the three locations and women from various walks of life came together to celebrate the women’s day. The celebration was entitled, Women’s Real Recognition and many delivered speeches in Kabul, Kandahar and Jalalabad.

Madam Fatana Ishaq Gailani, the founder and chairwomen of AWC, congratulated women around the world and motivated Afghan women to wake up and stop dreaming. She said slogans can’t solve the problems of Afghan women. Action and practical steps are needed. She asked women to struggle to achieve their rights in each and every walk of life. She reminded women of their sacrifices against invaders throughout history and said that although Afghanistan has a newly developed constitution, a parliament, an elected president and recognition from the world after 6 years Afghans still suffer from injustice. She raised her concerns about the current situation in the country and requested that the Afghan government and the international community not take advantage women’s name. Instead, they should promote fair treatment and help them to prosper. They should try to open paths of negotiation with the opposition to stop meaningless war in the country to establish peace instead of armed attacks in the provinces.

Chief of the Journalists Union, Professor Dr. Mohad Hashim Ismat Ilahi, talked about violations against
women in Greece, India and Arab nations and added that Islam gives rights to women but after 1500 years women still suffer from violations. He added that physical torture to women in front of their kids badly affects their children and according to the research they will not memorize anything in 48 hours when they see their mother beaten. He said whatever is done for women in Afghanistan that is not
enough and we must do more.

Also, Fatana Gailani asked the Taliban to respect women according to Islam. Madam Gailani said we hope the leadership of the Afghan government with its international supporters will make urgent changes in its administration and start negotiation with their opposition to make a broad-based government from all of the Afghans, prevent the interference of neighboring countries in Afghan affairs and bring a sensatory peace to the country. Madam Gailani called on Afghan women to come together. If Afghan men have supported national values in history but today are not raising their voice for peace, then women have to do so. They must put their hands together and support each other to promote peace in the country.

Senior advisor to the Minister of Culture, Mr. Najibullah Manali, gave his speech and pointed out that women are half of the population. He added that women have not found their place in the government
administration yet. Discrimination against women is still going on.

Madam Fawzia Asifi, the ex Director of Tourism of Afghanistan, added that although the international
community has promoted good works in Afghanistan, discrimination against educated
women in the government system exist and this needs to stop. She sought to focus
attention on women’s education, health and psychosocial issues. She also stressed the need for women’s equal share in transitional law and their participation in politics.

Afghan Journalist Mr. Ajmal Alamzai was another participant of the seminar. In his speech he
accounted for violations and discrimination against women in the government system and various parts
of Afghanistan. He asked women to gain their rights through solidarity and proper struggle.

Three women from the AWC’s women support program in Kabul identified 1500 women as
pioneers and were awarded with gifts. Pioneer women talked to the participants about their problems
in the past and the gradual changes taking place in their lives with the AWC’s development programs.
Most of the speakers complained about the intolerably long years of war, hunger, and injustice, corruption in the government system, insecurity, sorrows, and starvation in the country. They also asked to
condemn violations against human rights and women rights.

Mr. Abdul Basheer Hatif evaluated the seminar and added that women, as half of society, can make significance changes in the political, social, economic and cultural affairs. They can
play a strong role in the establishment of peace and good relations in society. He concluded the
seminar with the following recommendations:
1. Women, as an important political, social and economic power, should plan strategies in different
fields and convince others through dedicated, peaceful struggle to bring changes in the
political direction for the benefit of women.
2. Reconsideration of Afghan women’s benefits should be made at the international level and Afghan women should take part in these decisions.
3. Law and order in the country should be implemented and International human rights and
social organizations should not ignore violations against women.
4. A wide range of programs to strengthen the identity of women should be undertaken via media and culture.
5. Programs for women’s self worth and self sufficiency should be planned and income generation
activities for women should be provided.
6. Men and women together should work for the establishment of social equality.

At the end of the celebration AWC awarded their senior staff members, Dr. Argon Khairanish, Ms. Fawzia Habibi, Mr. Basheer Hatif, Ms. Nadia Naji, Ms. Nazia Sarwari and Ms. Naseera Muhib, who worked more than 15 years with AWC. Their efforts were recognized during the difficult time for Afghan refugees in Pakistan and during the Taliban era.