COMBAT OUTPOST EDGERTON, Afghanistan – Afghan Uniformed Police sergeant Gul Shreen Tajeck is the only female working as an AUP in the Dand District. She is also the link between Combined Task Force 4-2’s Female Engagement Team and the women of the district.
Soldiers of CTF 4-2’s FET and Tajeck held a women's shura, Feb 15, at the Dand District Center in Dand, Afghanistan.
Tajeck led the shura and discussed women's hygiene, education, and safety in the area.
During the shura, she told the attendees that if any of the women are having issues or if they are feeling threatened, they can approach the AUP or go to the district center and report any problems.
“That’s my job because I am a sergeant working and defending my country,” said Tajeck. “This is important to women's rights.”
Sunita Norzai, a local Afghan woman, attended the shura with her friend after hearing about the gathering from an AUP commander’s wife.
“We want to learn more about our country and we want to help our country and our family,” said Norzai. “Also, we want to think about our kids’ futures and our futures for progressing.”
Tajeck said it’s important that the women get together and work toward developing their country and understanding.
The 2nd Battalion, 12th Field Artillery Regiment FET officer-in-charge, 1st Lt. Christina Rath, assisted Tajeck during the shura.
“Right now in this area, they haven’t had (a women's shura) in a while,” Rath said.
“We’re trying to build a way to create a sense of community for them as they try to raise their children,” said Rath. “They’re a pretty big influence. If they value education, their children will value education.”
Rath said helping with the shuras is rewarding and eye-opening for her because the women who attend the shuras are more similar to American woman than one would think.
“In America, people are always concerned about the health of their families and that’s how women are here, too,” said Rath.
According to Tajeck and Rath, the shura was successful.
“I think they were pretty receptive to the idea of health and hygiene and education for their kids,” said Rath.