Subscribe
NEW KABUL COMPOUND, Afghanistan – In 2011, more than 2.4 million Afghan girls were attending school as reported by the Oxfam report. Under the Taliban, it is estimated that no more than 5,000 females attended schools. In contrast today, more than 49 percent of Afghanistan’s 32 million people are female, according to the World Bank. Statistically, women in Afghanistan are starting to take the lead, and yesterday, at New Kabul Compound, Afghanistan, several prominent Afghan women, along with NATO and U.S. military personnel and civilian personnel celebrated International Women’s Day, at NKC, March 8, 2014.
The celebration was upbeat and positive, many gains in women’s rights have been made, and many more are anticipated, what needs to be guarded against, is the possibility of those very same accomplishments being rescinded. Among the many considerations in preserving the enduring gains in Afghanistan is the fact that the NATO and U.S mission is drawing down, and extremists are constantly attempting to dominate the news.
All of these issues were eclipsed by the joyous mood in the packed NKC dining facility.
Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Colt, U.S. Forces Afghanistan, deputy commander for support presided over the ceremony.
“We must realize that women, in any nation and here in Afghanistan, are essential to the country’s economic and political progress and to ensuring that the nation has a secure, peaceful and stable future,” said Colt during his opening remarks. After opening, he greeted the honored guests and welcomed them to the podium.
One-by-one the Afghan women stood-up in-front of an enraptured crowd, spoke of their strength and resolve, and of overcoming tremendous odds to be successful.
Dr. Nafia Naseri, director of residency and specialty programs for Afghan Obstetrics and Gynecology, initiated the event by pointing out the great gains achieved by Afghan women have made in the country. She spoke of advances in law and social support to advances in women’s health care and the acceptance of women to advanced literacy and trade schools. Her comments resulted in a round of applause by those in attendance.
“Twelve to 15 years ago, school was a criminal act,” said Gul Makai Siawash.
Siawash, director of Kabul Orthopedics Organization was far more blunt in her prognosis. She discussed the looming spectacle of dark minded, selfish, profit seekers whose actions have resulted in a reverse of some gains. Siawash reminded the audience that it was through the coalitions dedication, financial aid and moral support that Afghanistan is where it is today. Siawash also said that Afghanistan still needed support from the international community until terrorism was gone. She thanked the crowd then introduced a very near and dear close friend and hero.
Siawashs’ hero is a young woman named Mah Pekay Sediqqy. Siawash found Sediqqy living in a refugee camp and was suffering from losing both her legs above the knee in a mine explosion. Siawash manages an organization that provides prosthetic limbs and physical therapy services to war victims, just like Sediqqy, it is there that the two met and formed their lasting friendship.
Sediqqy discussed her challenges of being a female victim of Saiwash fitted her with prosthetic legs and taught her how to walk again. Once Seddiqqy learned to walk, Siawash offered her a job and taught her how to read and write.
Today, Sediqqy is the most successful prosthesis expert in Afghanistan. Additionally, she is the only breadwinner in her family, something she is very proud of.
The room hushed as the Sediqqy made her way to the podium. Though she walked on crutches, there was no self-pity in the way she stood.
Sediqqy’s message to the crowd; if you are disabled do not be disappointed, learn knowledge, if you learn knowledge then you are not a burden to society but society will come to you for your knowledge. As she departed from the podium the crowd stood and clapped.
Taking the last podium of the event, and speaking to the subdued crowd was Rear Adm. Althea H. Coetzee, director of U.S. Forces Afghanistan, operational contract support. She spoke of her challenges beginning with her graduating in the sixth class of women at the U.S. Naval Academy in 1985. Her career, by her standards has been non-stop, she reminded the crowd that she holds herself to three mantras that have enabled her to minimize any missed opportunities, and allows her to live life to the fullest.
Those mantras are, “Carpe Diem! Semper Gumby! And, Insha’a Allah! That is, seize the day! Always be flexible! And, everything will turn out, God willing!,” said Coetzee
Coetzee ended her speech with a reminder that, as women they need to remember that they are making history and paving the way for future generations.
As the event closed, the crowd excitedly gathered around the Afghan women as Deputy Commanding General-Support, United States Forces – Afghanistan Gen. Jeffrey N. Colt, presented a USFOR-A commemorative plate, and photo, to the honored women.
The Afghan women made their way to the podium one last time, hugs, smiles, and photo opportunities abounded. As a parting gesture, they asked their hosts to not forget them, that USFOR-A, ISAF and all of NATO are still needed. That Afghanistan and America are intertwined now, together today, not just for Afghanistan, but for women and equal rights, and true democracy all over the world.
| Date Taken: | 03.08.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 03.09.2014 09:54 |
| Story ID: | 121738 |
| Location: | KABUL, AF |
| Web Views: | 216 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
This work, Inspiring change!, by Timothy Lawn, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
LEAVE A COMMENT