Afghan women urge government to take pro women actions

Under the theme of “Legal strategies to prevent sexual harassment of women”, the women today urged the National Unity Government (NUG) to take a stand against sexual harassment in governmental and non-governmental organizations.

They also called on government to create “National Strategies against the harassment of women and girls.”

They also voiced their concerns that they not only are vulnerable in society but also don’t have a safe working environment.

Zarqa Yaftali, “Executive Manager of Women and Children Legal Foundation” said according to an investigation done by the foundation, most women and children don’t have access to a reference where they can sue a complaint against alleged sexual harassment.

Fawzia Kofi, an Afghan lawmaker also said women harassment and ignoring their rights has become a culture in Afghanistan; as such they demand a commitment to improve their situation.

“If there is a real problem threatening women in Afghanistan, there should be found a comprehensive solution regarding the issue then.” Kofi said, adding that “from the experiences we have taken in our daily lives, women harassment and ignoring their rights has due to become a common culture in Afghanistan.”

Habiba Wahaj, deputy advisor for Women and Children Legal Foundation said “Government has serious measures regarding the women and youths’ issues, but now implantation of such measures are nothing but time consuming.”

At the gathering, women called on the government to take actions, otherwise the future for women will be bleak.