Ghazni women’s park offers freedom, opportunity

Courtesy Photo | The park, protected by a meter-high wall and armed guards, will offer local women their own quiet place to freely meet with friends, organize larger gatherings, develop skills through vocational training and sell hand-made products. (Photo by Artur Weber, Task Force White Eagle Public Affairs)  

GHAZNI PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

12.31.2010

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force 101

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Ghazni Gov. Musa Khan Akbar Zada inaugurated the recently completed park for women during a ceremony Dec. 31.

The project, which includes a shopping center, garden fountain, benches and large grassy areas, was founded by the Polish ministry of foreign affairs through the Ghazni Provincial Reconstruction Team.

The city’s other recreational area, Hakimi Park, is designed for both genders and women feel uncomfortable attending the place, said Ayoubi Maruf, the governor’s spokesperson.

“Women finally got their own space where they can spend time reading or playing with children, but most of all where they can have their own small businesses,” said Shukria Wali, chief of the Department for Women’s Affairs to local journalists.

The minister of Women’s Affairs, Dr. Husn Banu Ghazanfar, and a number of public officials, including female members of the Provincial Council and local journalists attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The recently completed project, designed by the Department of Women’s Affairs, is only one of many initiatives Ghazni PRT finished in 2010, including a seminar covering violence against women that attracted some 150 people, including more than 50 local mullahs. Support is also provided through vocational education and training.

“In my office, there are eight women…they understand the best way to help local females,” said Polish Lt. Col. Cezary Kiszkowiak, deputy commander of Ghazni PRT.

• Date Taken: 12.31.2010
• Date Posted: 01.02.2011 16:05
• Story ID: 62903
• Location: GHAZNI PROVINCE, AF