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KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – More than 40 Afghan women came together during a women’s shura hosted by the Company C, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, female engagement team July 1, 2012, in Chowkay district.
The meeting was held so the women in the area could get acquainted with each other and discuss upcoming projects, issues and concerns within their district.
It was also an opportunity for the women to choose a female in their community to represent them whenever there is an issue that needs to go before the governor.
“We hope they will work with each other, network and use resources within the district and work with the district governor,” said Yacaipa, Calif., native, U.S. Army Sgt. Yesenia Madrid, FET non-commissioned officer in charge for Company C, 2nd Battalion, 12th Inf. Regt.
During the shura, the FET made women aware of train-the-trainer programs such as midwife training and Teen Teach, a program where teens will learn to read and write English and, in turn, become qualified to teach the subject to others.
To put the Chowkay women in touch with resources within their own community, female Afghan nurses, midwives and teachers were also in attendance at the shura to show their support and let the women know they are there to help.
Although nine months pregnant and close to her due date, an attorney also traveled two hours by car with her husband just to attend the event.
“These women know who I am and they love me so I came to give them some training,” said Rana, the attorney. “I want an opportunity to teach at the school about our laws and constitution.”
Toward the end of the shura, the women exchanged phone numbers and several women expressed interest in attending either the midwife training or the Teen Teach program.
“I want to learn so I can teach the rest of the people,” said Taja Sherazum, a shura attendee who wants to attend midwife training. “A lot of women have problems giving birth.”
At the end of the day, many considered the shura a success because the women of Chowkay were able to come together and tap into resources available in their area, which will enable them to strengthen themselves in the future.
“It went well. Introducing women they can communicate with once we’re gone is important,” said U.S. Army Capt. Monica Allen, FET officer in charge for 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.
“Bringing the attorney, midwives, teachers and identifying a woman to be the lead within the district that can go to the governor with concerns overall was a success,” added Allen, a Wenatchee, Wash., native.
| Date Taken: | 07.09.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 07.11.2012 03:02 |
| Story ID: | 91350 |
| Location: | KUNAR PROVINCE, AF |
| Web Views: | 76 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Afghan women strengthen community bonds at shura, by SSG Andrea Merritt, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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