Future holds difficult opportunities for Afghan women

(Military helicopters in Afghanistan)

Media reports over the past month have indicated growing concern over the rights of women in Afghanistan after the 2014 withdrawal of international forces from the country. A relatively low level of political representation by women, issues of violence and other related concerns are making lasting change a more difficult – and perhaps more valuable – goal to be achieved by efforts from the international community.

Noor Zia Atmar was one of Afghanistan’s first woman MPs who took office during the year of the hopeful 2005 elections which held promise of more gender equality through setting aside twenty-five percent of seats for women. She worked successfully while in office toward passing legislation for the protection of women in the country.

Much has changed since then. The seat percentage has dropped to 20 percent, and Atmar now is reported to live in a shelter after having been disowned by her family when she divorced to escape an abusive marriage. She has indicated serious concern over the future of women’s rights after the withdrawal of the international troops.

Another voice is from Liza Ghausi Nooristani, a successful woman entrepreneur in Afghanistan who has built offices, roads and other infrastructure through funding from Western countries. She has accomplished this despite threats of violence and unsteady support. Nooristani also is concerned about the future of women's rights in the country after troop withdrawals if current trends continue. Difficulties for women to get business licenses and notions of Taliban-influenced thinking are obstacles that Nooristani sees for women's advancement.

It is clear that gains have been made in women’s human rights in Afghanistan, but it is important to keep working toward establishing lasting roots for a gender-equal society. The coming parliamentary and presidential elections, as well as next year's troop withdrawals, can be used as opportunities to make a positive difference – instead of obstacles to hinder progress. Voices need to be heard at this crucial time through platforms and networks to build capacities of current and future women leaders in the country.