Advertisement Daughters of CharityICN Would you like to advertise on ICN? Click to learn more.

CAFOD urges more support for Afghan women


A women's saving group in Afghanistan

A women's saving group in Afghanistan

As politicians arrive in Brussels ahead of an international conference to discuss Afghanistan's future, CAFOD warns that more support must be given to local organisations, particularly those that empower women.

Dominic Carroll, CAFOD's Country Representative for Afghanistan, said: "This is a critical point for Afghanistan, particularly for women. There have been some advances in women's rights but the gains are fragile, and the situation for ordinary women remains extremely difficult. It would be all too easy for the international community to concentrate on other parts of the world. But for the sake of millions of Afghan women, men and children, we need to show our continued support".

On 4 and 5 October, around 70 foreign ministers from around the world will gather for the Brussels Conference on Afghanistan, jointly hosted by the European Union and the Government of Afghanistan.

"World leaders need to be aware of the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan that has led to more than a million internally displaced people, unemployment rates of 40% and the highest levels of civilian casualties since 2009," urged Dominic Carroll.

Palwasha Hassan, Director of CAFOD's partner the Afghan Women's Educational Centre (AWEC), said: "The Brussels conference is very important, because it will bring together the Afghan Government, international community and civil society to reflect on the progress that has been made and pledge support for Afghanistan's future. Women's lives in Afghanistan have improved over the past 15 years, but the gains are still fragile. It wouldn't take long for the gains to be reversed if support is withdrawn".

Palwasha Hassan is one of 10 prominent Afghan development and human rights activists invited to participate in the Brussels conference. "I have three main hopes for the conference: that it will promote the importance of upholding women's rights and equality; advance our achievements in education, especially girls' access to education; and take steps to advance the peace process. Peace and security is especially important for women's public roles in Afghanistan. When instability occurs, the first thing that happens is that women are told to stay at home and children are kept away from school. But women have an important role to play in rebuilding Afghanistan and securing peace."

She added: "Peace is never real without an inclusive, equal society. Therefore, I join with other civil society organisations in calling upon conference attendees to take measurable steps in ensuring women's meaningful participation at all levels of Afghanistan's development and peace processes to truly create an inclusive and self-reliant Afghanistan".

Since CAFOD started working in Afghanistan in the late 1980s, the agency has prioritised women's rights. Today CAFOD's local partners are helping women in poor communities to earn a living, teaching women about their rights, and working with men's groups to reduce domestic violence. With the support of the Catholic community in England and Wales, CAFOD will continue to put these women first over the months and years ahead.

Adverts

SPICMA

We offer publicity space for Catholic groups/organisations. See our advertising page if you would like more information.

We Need Your Support

ICN aims to provide speedy and accurate news coverage of all subjects of interest to Catholics and the wider Christian community. As our audience increases - so do our costs. We need your help to continue this work.

You can support our journalism by advertising with us or donating to ICN.

Mobile Menu Toggle Icon