DCM Haidari Discusses Achievements of Afghan Women at Jamia University

On March 8, marking the International Women’s Day, Deputy Chief of Mission M. Ashraf Haidari jointed his Canadian counterpart, Deputy High Commissioner Jim Nickel, to deliver remarks at a panel discussion on “Women and Development: Challenges Ahead in Afghanistan,” hosted by the Afghanistan Studies Center at the Jamia Millia Islamia University, in collaboration with the High Commission of Canada in New Delhi. The event also included an exhibition of images of Afghan women photographed by Canadian photojournalist, Ms. Lana Slezic.

Mr. Haidari highlighted the key achievements of the Afghan women over the past twelve years, which he noted were made possible with international assistance. However, he noted that much more remained to be done to consolidate those gains in the years and decades to come. He discussed ways how to empower women in Afghanistan, based on many lessons learned in the country or elsewhere, in accordance with the specific needs Afghan women. He addressed a number of criticisms raised by students and activists in the audience, and pointed out that the socio-economic development of any country, which plays a critical role in empowering women, would take time to address those popular concerns.

The panelists included Afghan, Indian, and Canadian speakers, who discussed the status of women in Afghanistan, sharing common views on their achievements and the challenges confronting them that need to be addressed, with long-term international support. Many Afghan students, studying at the University, and members of a visiting Afghan media delegation were also among those, who participated in the two-hour discussions.