Empowering Afghan Women: Leadership, Participation, and Societal Progress

Speech at the 3rd International Symposium on Strengthening the Role and Participation of Women in Afghan Society

Keypoints: 

• Women’s Representation: Women participate in government, judiciary, and civil society.
• Legal Rights: Upholding women’s rights under the constitution and Islamic principles.
• Political Participation: Encouraging women’s role in decision-making and governance.
• Economic Empowerment: Expanding women’s role in the economy and private sector.
• Security and Defense: Inclusion of women in police and military institutions.
• Education and Training: Promoting education, skills, and leadership development.
• Civil Society Engagement: Strengthening partnerships with NGOs and women’s networks.
• Cultural Change: Transforming attitudes to support equality and inclusion.

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 

Special Envoy of the United States, Respected Envoy of Germany, members of the Diplomatic Corps, members of the National Assembly and the Government, brothers and sisters—especially our sisters who have traveled from the provinces!

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. Khosh Geldin! ښه راغلاست! خوش آمدید!

I begin with a word of gratitude. My thanks go to the Afghan Women’s Network, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, and the Office of the First Lady. I also thank our international partners—Norway and the United States were mentioned, but all international organizations have been our collaborators in this effort.

The Voice of the Afghan Woman

Today is a special day. The voice, the will, and the participation of the Afghan woman are becoming clear to the entire nation and the world. Today, the Afghan woman represents herself; she does not need a man or the international community to act as her proxy. Today, the Afghan woman is a minister, an ambassador, a judge, a police officer, and an officer. In all sectors of administration, economy, and society, she stands side-by-side with—and often ahead of—the Afghan man. Therefore, I welcome this clear and resonant voice today.

The Afghan woman is a believer in the Constitution and the principles of the holy religion of Islam. Let no one doubt that every Afghan woman will defend the values of equality in the Constitution until her last drop of blood. Our Constitution is not a matter for negotiation. The Afghan woman is not willing to go backward; she moves forward, shoulder-to-shoulder with the Afghan man. She demands a specific, clear, and comprehensive share in our future.

A Society of Moderation and Political Consensus

Brothers, please make a bit more room! The beauty lies in the fact that both Afghan men and women today believe that a moderate society is our main goal—a society where there is no extremism or negligence, and where radical views do not take this country hostage again. We seek a political consensus in which the pulse of the Afghan people determines the direction of governance and reform.

The role of the Afghan woman does not change in a single day; we must move forward every day. We must have clear criteria so that we can measure our own progress. I do not wish to speak about the government's achievements today—that is for you to judge. Instead, hold the mirror toward the National Unity Government, and specifically toward me. Our promise to you was clear. You evaluate our progress; you be the judge. It is only through your perspective that we can understand if we have done the right thing, if we have moved at the right speed, or if we need to reform our methods.

A New Model of National Discourse

Today, you have started a new method and a new way of national debate. The Women’s Network, as a representative of civil society, has been in lockstep with state officials and the Office of the First Lady from the first minute. This is a step that must be followed in all other sectors. We do not want a type of "participation" where a part of the government has already set the goals and then we gather you just to give your seal of approval. That method does not create ownership. The way you have chosen creates ownership because your discussion is comprehensive and free.

This is the way of our Jirga. In Afghanistan, no one can convince another through dictatorship; conviction can only be achieved through free discussion. Even Dr. Sima Samar cannot be convinced until she is personally satisfied! As a champion of human rights and women's rights, she holds a special place in the hearts of all Afghans; thank you, Dr. Sahib!

The Three Transitions: Security, Economy, and Culture

Our fundamental point of change is our culture. Last year, we faced three simultaneous transitions.

The Security Transition: 130,000 international forces departed. Most pessimists thought our brave security and defense forces would not be able to carry this burden. But today, we can say with confidence that in every inch of this land, the honest children of this soil are defending it. It is a point of pride that in a graduation ceremony of the Afghan Military Academy, out of 549 students, 13 were women—and the student who won the "Sword of Honor" was an Afghan girl. I thank the parents who have placed their daughters in the ranks of National Security, the Police, and the Army. The participation of women ensures that the principles of Islam and our laws are implemented.

The Economic Transition: This was difficult. When responsibility fell on our shoulders, we had hundreds of millions of dollars in budget deficits. This year, we have no such shortage. We will witness an economic movement that is sustainable because it is based on our own efforts and regional and international cooperation. However, the private sector is still missing. Since economic issues and job creation are vital for women, I hope the private sector joins these discussions in future symposiums.

The Political and Cultural Transition: This involves the transfer of the culture of governance. Today, government officials—especially high-ranking ones—must learn humility and the culture of listening. There is no place for bullying or thinking we are better than others just because one is a minister, ambassador, or president. We are the least of this land because the people have trusted us; our people are the best among us.

Action Over Paperwork

This change in culture requires our method of programming and implementation to differ. We want less paper and more action; we want "Afghan implementation" and international cooperation. Sometimes my programs appear as if they were made for the most advanced countries, but when we look for capacity and implementation, it is a different matter.

I would have loved to spend hours with you, but unfortunately, I must travel in a few minutes. The Minister of Foreign Affairs is waiting. However, after the symposium concludes and you have your summary results, please meet with me so we can discuss practical actions and my "report card"—what I have done right and what I have done wrong. I hear a million insults daily, so you can speak to me very clearly. My personal commitment, and the commitment of the government, is to ensure the comprehensive and active role of Afghan women in all affairs. Our road is long, but our goal must be clear.

A Message to the Provinces and the Future Generation

I thank all of you, especially the sisters who have come from the provinces. Afghanistan is not just Kabul, and the government is not just the Arg (Palace). You who have come from the villages and rural areas are the true touchstone; the real judgment is in your hands.

What gives me great pride is that I see new faces, new energy, and—most importantly—I do not see a "generation gap." I see generational unity. Our great figures defended the rights of women under the most difficult conditions and with great sacrifice. They have built a bridge for you. You must cross this bridge with confidence. This does not mean the work is finished; we are only halfway there. We must speed up, and your voice and ideas are essential. We will repeat this assembly every year to set annual and medium-term goals so that we all move forward together.

Yashasun Afghanistan! Tel de wee Afghanistan!