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International Women's Day

On March 8, 2007, WADAN organized and hosted an event at the Safi Landmark Hotel in Kabul to promote the rights of women and recognize International Women’s Day.

The participants included members of parliament, provincial councils, and all other officials from the provinces, representatives from the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, representatives from national and international educational organizations, and active members of civil society and members of the media. Gender equality, women’s empowerment and access of women to justice in Afghanistan were the central themes of the speeches. Some of those who delivered speeches were:

• Ms. Aryan Youn, Member of Parliament
• Ms. Azita Rafat, Member of Parliament
• Ms. Ghuttai Khawrai, Commissioner at Administrative Reforms
• Ms. Shukria Paikan, Member of Parliament
• Mr. Ismayal Youn, Kabul University instructor and Political Analyst
• Mr. Farahi, Deputy Minister of Information and Culture
• Mr. Babrak Shinwary, Member of Parliament
• Mr. Mirwais Yasini, Member of Parliament

International Women’s Day is celebrated in developed and developing countries alike. It is a time to reflect on and acknowledge progress made for women, to call for changes and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of women's rights.

The International Women's Health Coalition wrote in their publication 'Women's Vulnerability to HIV/AIDS' that “estimates indicate that at least half of women in Afghanistan are forced into marriage and one out of three has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused. Still, their struggle is up against daunting hurdles — continuing instability after decades of war, dire poverty and lack of education. Women's rights have slipped down in the national agenda behind countering a growing insurgency, tackling opium production and confronting widespread corruption.”

Currently 25 percent of Afghanistan's National Assembly is comprised of women, and women hold 68 out of 249 seats in the National Assembly. Afghan women proved in a short time that, not only on a national level but internationally, too, that they can take part in political activities.

Those who attended the program showed keen interest to participate in activities promoting gender equality, women’s empowerment and the development of Afghanistan in order to encourage accountability and responsibility. They showed interest to participate and influence in all spheres of women rights in the country to encourage accountability and responsibility.

Entertainment was provided by Dobbs, a musician from Nelson, New Hampshire in the United States. He is traveling in Afghanistan to promote peace through his storytelling performances accompanied by his bass violin. Afghan musicians also performed before lunch was served. Nearly 150 people attended the event which was covered by both print and electronic media.