The Ministry for Peace Facilitates the Participation of Women in Peace Politics
The Special Representative and State Minister for Peace Abdul Salam Rahimy in a meeting with women rights activists said that the State Ministry for Peace (SMP) facilitates women's participation in peace politics.
He stressed the importance of women's role in the peace process and said that the performance of this role requires the support of women themselves. He presented brief information about the latest developments in the peace process and said that the women of Afghanistan should take part in the policies of peace and that the State Ministry for Peace will facilitate such a process.
The Special Representative and State Minister for Peace pointed at the need of organizing women's voice for supporting the peace process and said that women should share their views from the level of Village Development Councils to the district and province level and that the government will support such voices.
The participants also shared their views on a mechanism for establishing a “women consultative center”.
Najeeba Aubi, the director of Killid Group and member of the High Peace Council (HPC) said the first need is the review of the current literature and research on peace followed up by the practical work of establishing the women consultative center. She suggested that the government should do more for social peace.
Malalai Shinwari, advisor to the president and member of the High Peace Council (HPC) said that participation of women from different parts of the country, especially from the war raged regions is critical and added that the participation of women in peace process needs organizing and unifying these women.
Habiba Sarabi, a member of the High Peace Council (HPC) said that different organizations in recent years worked for peace, and suggested that these organizations work together under one coordinated umbrella structure. She also called for continued women consultative coordination meetings.
Anarkali Honeryar, member of Wolesi Jirga said that the peace process should be under the leadership of the government of Afghanistan and all Afghans should accept this.
Hasina Safi, Minister of Information and Culture said that the establishment of the women consultative center was important and called on the members of this center to stay committed and support each other.
After listening to the suggestions and insights of the participants, Abdul Salam Rahimy said that a secretariat will be created in the State Ministry for Peace and the women consultative center will work in coordination with this secretariat. He further added that this center should include women representatives from all provinces of Afghanistan.
Mr. Rahimy said that this center will also include the representatives of all those organizations working for peace and such inclusiveness will lead to its strength.
The State Minister for Peace promised that the collective voice of women will be heard; and also received the promise of the members of the consultative center to avoid being politicizing and honestly work for peace on behalf of Afghan women.
