Ambassador Eklil Hakimi’s celebrates International Women’s Day

Ambassador Eklil Hakimi’s statement on International Women’s Day

“For over a century, March 8 has stood as a testament to the contribution and importance of women around the world. As we celebrate International Women’s Day in a time of change and progress all around the world, we should seize the opportunity to ensure that women are included in the political, economic, and overall development decisions that accompany change.

Empowering Women, both socio-economically and politically, is of vital importance to Afghanistan’s reconstruction and development. For this reason, the Government of Afghanistan recognizes gender equality and women’s empowerment as a top priority in our overall transformation agenda.

Educated Women are Empowered Women. Today, girls make up about 40% of school children in Afghanistan—an exponential increase from 2001. Tomorrow’s female leaders are learning today thanks to increased access to education for girls. Women also comprise 24% of doctors and medical workers in Afghanistan and 28% of legislators in the Afghan Parliament. Furthermore, greater numbers of women are becoming pilots, police officers, army officials and members of media. The professional development of women stands as a testament to the progress and success of the last decade.

We couldn’t have achieved this without the generous support we have received from international partners, particularly United States of America, which our people are grateful for. With their continued assistance, my government works daily to create an enabling environment for women to enjoy greater economic opportunities. Thousands of female Afghan entrepreneurs have benefited from training programs provided by the Government and our international partners. As a result, the number of Afghan women from all ages and walks of life who manage trading, crafts and services, and import-export businesses continues to grow.

The Afghan Government recognizes the important role of women. We want to ensure that Afghan women do not lose the gains that our country has worked so hard to achieve. We want their voices to be heard as we enter into the Transformation Decade. Today, let us all recommit to our never-ending pursuit of education, empowerment and equality for Afghan women and girls, as well as those women working to better their lives and the lives of their family around the world.”

Kelsey Glover
Media and Public Affairs Officer

The Embassy of Afghanistan
2341 Wyoming Ave, NW
Washington, D.C. 20008
www.embassyofafghanistan.org
Tel: 202.483.6410 ext. 8002

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