Women’s empowerment luncheon

KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN

10.04.2011

Story by Spc. April York 

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – Influential women from Kandahar province met with their International Security Assistance Force partners for an empowerment luncheon at Camp Nathan Smith, Oct. 4.

The luncheon was hosted by the Kandahar Provincial Team and the 385th Military Police Battalion attached to 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, to bring women within the community together to discuss concerns about employment, education, safety and to address ideas of security that they can incorporate into their daily lives.

“There are three main issues with women in Kandahar City, which are economic issues, safety issues and educational issues,” said Roqia Askzai, director of women’s affairs in Kandahar City. “Illiteracy is also a big issue so we need to reopen classes for women to initiate their education.”

Many ideas were discussed for projects to address the issues.
Askzai brought up economical issues regarding many women who have lost their sons and husbands and have no man to bring food and money into the home.

“We should think about a project to find some kind of job for such women,” she said. “Not a short term solution but a long term one.”

Maryam Duranni, Kandahar provincial council member, also addressed the economical issues.

“We should give priority to projects that have a market in Kandahar City,” Duranni said. “If a woman is making something, she should be certain that there is a market inside Kandahar City to sell the goods instead of hoping to sell it to the American market.”

The final issue addressed was security. Malika Noori, an Afghan Uniformed Police officer with the provincial headquarters human resources team addressed the women.

“Kandahar is a big city and we need more female police officers,” she said. “If there are domestic problems in Kandahar City female police officers can go and listen to the woman and solve their problems.”

She asked the women in attendance to spread the word to their friends and family.

“We have to spread this news around through the districts and villages so more women can come forward and join the peace forces,” Noori said.

To conclude the speaking portion of the luncheon, a slide show presentation with safety tips was presented. Some of the attendees added to the presentation by sharing some of their personal experiences on how they stay safe.

The 385th MPs provided a traditional Afghan lunch where the women were able to converse and exchange contact information.

“I hope this meeting is not the last but we keep communication with one another and I look forward to seeing you all again soon,” Askzai said.

• Date Taken: 10.04.2011
• Date Posted: 10.05.2011 13:19
• Story ID: 78057
• Location: KANDAHAR, AF