Increasing women's participation in Afghan police forces
Referring to the proposed regional Dutch mission, Ms. Bano highlighted the critical need for female participation in Kunduz, pointing out that “Women are agents of change while women’s organisations are the catalysts for security and development”.
Based on engagement and consultation with various authorities and women’s representatives in Afghanistan and the region, Ms. Bano told the panel of experts that whilst Dutch support would be welcome and needed, successful implementation of a more effective gender perspective, including the involvement of women’s organisations on the ground, is required. “If the Dutch mission is to be sent, there is a strong need to strengthen female capacity building element”, the Director of Gender Concerns International concluded.
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Gender Concerns International
Philipp Schulz
While being very grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the discussion, Ms. Sabra Bano, Director of Gender Concerns International, urged the international community as well as the Dutch government to pay increased attention to the situation of women in Afghanistan, in order to increase their participation in political decision-making and sustainable peace processes, and also in the national police forces.
Gender Concerns International was one of the expert participants at today’s public hearing of the standing Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives. The hearing will help inform the current debate within the Dutch government over whether to contribute to the international presence in Afghanistan by training national police forces.
GCI contributes to Parliamentary Hearing on Afghanistan
Increasing women’s participation in Afghan police forces –
The Hague, 24th January 2011
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE