Women for Afghan Women
Press Release
6-27-02

Declaration of Support for the Women of Afghanistan

Women for Afghan Women (WAW) would like to congratulate:

Habiba Sorabi, Minster of Women’s Affairs
Dr. Mahbooba Hoqooqmal, Minister of State for Women’s Affairs
Dr. Suhaila Seddiqi, Minister of Health
Dr. Sima Samar, head of commission for Human Rights

WAW supports the voices of the audacious women who refuse to be silenced by the extremist segments of society. Since women comprise 67% of the population of Afghanistan, it is of utmost importance that they are in leadership positions to effect positive change for women throughout the country.

We acknowledge the 200 women delegates who participated in the Loya Jirga and made their voices heard loud and clear at such a pivotal moment in history. Despite facing opposition in their local villages and townships, these women ventured to Kabul to exercise their right to democracy. It was crucial for them to confront and berate the warlords and political leaders who have a history of human rights and especially women’s rights abuses. We thank them for encouraging the election of Dr. Samar as the deputy Chairwoman of the Loya Jirga and for nominating a female presidential candidate, Masooda Jalal, who received the second highest number of votes. This is consistent with the will of the Afghan people, who in the Constitution of 1964 passed an Equal Rights Amendment that we still don’t have in the United States.

All the women mentioned are an inspiration to us all and we pray for their safety in the wake of threats to their lives. We hope to continue to support their work through direct support and advocacy. These women, and particularly the Women’s Ministry must be supported with funds that will enable them to accomplish their goals. WAW promotes the active involvement of our Afghan sisters in the reconstruction of Afghanistan throughout all sectors of society.

We hope that, after Karzai’s term, our next President will be an Afghan woman.