Khost Women celebrate the New Year

AFGHANISTAN

03.23.2010

Story by Capt. Angela Webb 

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

KHOST PROVINCE, Afghanistan — Khost Provincial Reconstruction Team's female members and prominent women throughout the province gathered at the Civil-Military Operations Center in downtown Khost to celebrate the New Year and discuss women's issues, March 23.

About 35 women attended the event, with guest speaker Rogul Zadran, Khost director of Women's Affairs.

Other key speakers included Khost Provincial Council member Haji Humina, head of the Women's Non-Government Organization, Nadia Bawari and Dr. Malalai lead doctor and head of Khost City's Women's Council.

"It is a new year and we need to start taking action for female rights," said Rogul Zadran. "Women should not be treated with disrespect. We are strong and we have a voice. We need to act in order for a better future for our children."

Khost province is extremely conservative, but there are some areas in the province that permit education and employment for women.

There are still obstacles for the women of Khost, but they are working together with the Afghan government to gain more respect and rights for women.

Malalai said there are security and education problems in the districts. There are school buildings for females, but many families do not allow their daughters to attend because of the lack of security. It's difficult for women in the area, she said. But her group will continue pursuing help from the Afghan government.

Others in attendance were doctors, teachers, students and reporters from throughout Khost.

While many said they had been intimidated by men on several occasions, they know eventually their actions will help women in the future.

"Females are jobless and do not have rights," said Bawari. "We need to gain public awareness of female issues to both females and males throughout the area. We need to stop the violations against women, and start working together to allow females in the government departments to make changes."

Khost PRT's senior medical officer, U.S. Navy Cmdr. Cindy Kuehner said a few words to thank the group for their courage and dedication in a male-dominated area.

"The opportunity to meet with women leaders from Khost was inspirational," Kuehner said. "I am motivated by their strength, their courage, and their commitment to their families, to their communities, to other women, and to Afghanistan."

• Date Taken: 03.23.2010
• Date Posted: 03.28.2010 13:09
• Story ID: 47346
• Location: AF