Afghan military, police, civil leaders recognize International Women’s Day

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AFGHANISTAN

03.08.2015

Story by Capt. Matthew McMillan 

Resolute Support Headquarters

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Several prominent Afghan leaders publicly recognized the important role women play in Afghanistan March 8 in honor of International Women’s Day.

Ahmadullah Faizi, manager of Kandahar International Airport, hosted the event in the airport’s ceremony room. Brig. Gen. Viet Luong, commander, Train, Advise, Assist Command – South; Brig. Gen. Abdul Hai Atrafi, commander, Afghanistan Border Police 503rd Zone; Abdul Sanah, director of foreign affairs for Kandahar and senior representative of the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kabul; and Zarghna Kakar, Kandahar provincial shura member representing the Kandahar Department of Women’s Affairs, attended, among others.

“Women who are working in governance have stories to tell you about the progress they have made,” said Atrafi, who addressed the gathering in a formal speech. “The leaders and social leaders of Afghanistan … we have seen a lot of improvement in women’s roles – political, economic, educational. It’s not just in the cities, it’s in the suburbs as well.”

More than 80 people attended the event, including keynote speaker Gulalai (identified by first name). Hired as a secretary, she advanced over several years to general manager of flight line security at Kandahar International Airport. In her remarks, she noted the importance of women to society and their capabilities, noting Afghan female doctors, lawyers and teachers.

“Today we were able to celebrate not only a special day for Afghan women, but an internationally and globally recognized day for all women,” said Maj. Leah Shubin, a native of Bakersfield, California. “The purpose of it was to focus on the outstanding achievements and advancements women have made over the years.”

Shubin serves as the TAAC-S gender advisor to both the director of women’s affairs for Kandahar (a provincial governor council member) and to the director of human rights in the Kandahar Police Headquarters.

“Regardless of whether you’re from a developed country or a young, progressing country, women have greatly advanced in their roles and importance to society,” she said.

Sanah further discussed the way forward for women in Kandahar and Afghanistan.

“We are trying to get women advanced, to move things forward,” he said. “Let’s emphasize the other half of society.”

He also spoke about future appropriation of funds for projects in Kandahar benefiting women.

“When listening to Mr. Sanah, the point that women make up more than half of Afghan society was extremely eye-opening,” said Shubin. “With women being given the right to vote in this great and progressing country, it only adds to the importance of their integration into larger aspects of society.”

The advancing role of women in Afghanistan includes the military and police, a point Atrafi made during his remarks.

“We have pilots. We have women soldiers, fighting side by side with their brothers. These are big steps that have been taken, and we are looking forward to more developments,” he said. “I can see the importance of the roles women have in my daily life. I need them to help me do my job.”

Atrafi further expounded on the roles of female Afghan Local Police members and their bravery to defend their own neighborhoods.

The event concluded with a presentation of gifts and a luncheon.

• Date Taken: 03.08.2015
• Date Posted: 03.09.2015 08:17
• Story ID: 156409
• Location: KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AF