Looking Back to See the Future

A panel of Afghan women leaders and U.S. Embassy representatives discussed the achievements made in Afghanistan in regards to women’s rights. In addition to celebrating the gains of Afghan women in the past decade, the group also reflected on sustaining those achievements and discussed how to build upon them.

Panel participants responded positively to the event, acknowledging the United States’ commitment to furthering the status of women in Afghanistan. They also recognized that there is a lot of work still to be done to secure the rights of women in the political process, economic opportunities, higher education, and maternal health.  The over sixty audience members were eager to meet and speak with panel members, whom they regarded as role models for the future generation of women leaders. 

In the past ten years, Afghan women have made significant progress toward securing their rights.  In 2001, Afghan women participated in the Bonn Conference, which led to the creation of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs.  In 2004, the Afghan constitution set forth equal rights for women and men and established a quota for women in government.  Women’s rights activists and NGOs continue to work toward ensuring women’s access to justice and protection under the law, and their full integration in the political process. 

The U.S. government continues to support the efforts of all Afghans committed to improving the rights and status of women.  The U.S. government also supports all programs and initiatives designed to educate and empower women and girls throughout Afghanistan.