At a gathering organized jointly by the Ahmad Shah Massoud Foundation (ASMF) and the Ministry of Women Affairs (MoWA) in Kabul city on Sunday, several officials took the opportunity to reflect on the role of women in the shaping of Afghanistan and how they could be better served in the country today and into the future.
The event was held to commemorate the memory of Ahmad Shah Massoud, the famous mujahidin leader who was killed by the Taliban in September, 2001.
Ahmad Wali Massoud, the head of the ASMF, while talking about the role of women during the fight against the Soviet Union, said that Afghan women have played and would continue to play a significant role in shaping Afghanistan. However, Mr. Massoud emphasized that much more needs to be done with regard to the promotion of women's rights and their protection from violence.
Meanwhile, Muzhgan Mustafawi, Deputy Minister of Women Affairs, pointed out that the government has not done enough to provide support to the victims and families affected by the conflict over the past decade. Ms. Mustafawi further added that women have been subjected more than anyone to oppression both in terms of their Constitutional rights and their broader quality of their life.
"Our duty is to support children, women and the relatives of martyrs, but unfortunately this not happening very much. Furthermore, with insecurity in most of the country parts there is evidence of growing martyrdom and families left behind, who the government has to take the necessarily steps to support," said Ms. Mustafawi.
Several MPs reamed the government for not doing enough to ensure the protection of women rights in Afghanistan.
"We have heard from different leaders that women have the right to study and go to school but few of those leaders actually believe in their own ideas, and few believe in what they claim," said MP Fawzia Koofi.
"Martyr Week" was approved by the Lower House last year and September 9 was announced as the official anniversary day of Ahmad Shah Massoud, labelled a national martyr. Afghan President Hamid Karzai declared Ahmad Shah Massoud a "national hero" in 2002. The day he died, September 9, is observed as a national holiday in Afghanistan.
Massoud was an inspiration for the anti-Taliban groups because he fought against the militant regime until his assassination.