HERAT, Afghanistan - Twelve Afghan women were recognized at the Herat Regional Military Hospital March 8 in honor of the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day.
Afghan National Army leadership and hospital staff presented the women certificates of appreciation and gifts.
Roughly 160 Afghans encompass the medical staff, 12 of which are female, said ANA Maj. Gen. Mohiuddin Ghori, 207th Corps chief of staff. In 2010 his medical staff treated more than 30,000 patients.
The female doctor and medics are the primary staff whom treat female Afghans. Female medics are growing in number, but are still scarce when compared to their male counterparts.
“It’s difficult being an Afghan woman,” said Dr. Shemsi Noorazai, the sole female doctor at HRMH. Noorazai studied medicine at Kabul University, in an era where higher education for women was almost unheard of.
“I’m very happy that women are honored today because I clearly remember the times when we didn’t have rights at all,” said Noorazai. “I hope in the future, the amount of women in government jobs will be equal to that of our male counterparts. I hope the hiring process progresses to the point where gender is no longer a factor at all.”
A female janitor echoed the doctor’s sentiments. “As time goes on, women get more freedom and this shows great progress in my country,” said Zahedah Qoreshi, who is one of a few females responsible for cleaning women’s facilities at the hospital.
Qoreshi has five daughters and is very hopeful for their future, she said, stating: “Men and women should be equal.”
After the medics were honored at the ceremony, ANA Col. Sayed Azim, HRMH doctor and commander surprised the audience by honoring a few American servicemembers whom work hand-in-hand with their Afghan counterparts.
One U.S. female honored was Air Force Staff Sgt. Rachel Hawkins, 466th Air Expeditionary Squadron medic who works nearby at Camp Stone’s Joint Medical Operations facility.
“Being a deployed female, I can partially understand what it must feel like being a female minority,” said Hawkins, who hails from Huntingdon, Tenn. “I have a lot of respect for these women.”
Hawkins reflected on what she’s read about the early stages of female involvement in the U.S. Air Force and expressed her wishes for the future role of Afghan women in their government agencies.
“Women play an important part not just in war but in everyday life. I hope they can take on more jobs and have an equal opportunity to work,” said Hawkins. “I wish someday they at least have the equal opportunity to pursue and be selected for jobs.”
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