A consultative meeting was held between the members of the negotiating team and representatives of women from different strata

The head and female members of the negotiating team of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan met with representatives of women from different segments of society in the presence of a number of the female government officials including the High Council for National Reconciliation, the Presidency, the National Security Council, the State Ministry for Peace, Members of the Parliament and Cabinet members.
At the beginning, Dr. Alema, Deputy Minister of Human Rights and Civil Society Organizations of the State Ministry for Peace, welcomed the participants and brief them about the meeting.
Mohammad Masoom Stanekzai, the head of the negotiating team of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan then talked about the first round of Intra-Afghan peace negotiations in Doha and said that female members of the negotiating team were engaged in entire process of the negotiations and no discussion took place without them.
Emphasizing the importance of the presence and role of women in the peace process, Mr. Stanekzai said that the cohesion of women could have a strong impact on the process and contribute to peace in Afghanistan.
The participants then shared their views and questions with the Chair and members of the negotiating team.
Responding to questions, Dr. Habiba Sarabi, a member of the negotiating team, said that the agenda’s items were important, but both sides teams had not yet entered the main agenda.
Sharifa Zormati Wardak, another member of the negotiating team, answered the questions of the participants and said that the unity and coordination among the members of the team has caused the negotiating team of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to act coherently.
She emphasized that they will stand and fight for the success of the peace process. She called on women to bring the voice of the negotiating team to the villages as well.
Zuhra Mutahar Ahmadzai, the deputy of the High Council for National Reconciliation, also referred to the work done in the HCNR and said that the council is determined to consolidate all efforts for peace and complete the work.
Summing up the meeting, Dr. Alema, Deputy Minister for Human Rights and Civil Society Organizations at the State Ministry for Peace, said by continuation of consultative meetings, the ministry would provide adequate technical support to the negotiating team for holding meetings with different strata of the society.