Excellecies, distinguished participants, ladies and gentlemen,

Let me begin by sincerely congratulating you, in particular, the female audience in this auspicious gathering on the great occasion of International Women’s Day.

At the outset, I would like to extend my appreciation to the Bakhtar Cultural Association in Melbourne for making this great opportunity available for women and men to jointly celebrate this important day.

Women’s struggle for freedom and justice indeed has a long history. But what we learn from celebrating this day is that the achievements towards women’s rights, gender equality and women empowerment would have not been possible without sacrifices and continued struggles.

Fortunately, nowadays, all the states continue their efforts for the promotion and protection of women and girls’ rights in accordance with their international obligations. However, since the recent decades, the emergence of none-state actors such as Al-Qaida, Taliban, Boku Haram, ISIS, etc. posed major threats to international peace and security as well as women’s rights and freedom.

For the Afghan people, women and girls in particular, who have suffered from many years of war, unrest and violence, the 8th of March is a significant and meaningful milestone. Today we need to review our achievements and challenges in the path towards women empowerment and gender equality.

Ladies and gentlemen,

According to the recent data of Central Statistics Office in Afghanistan, the percentage of girls’ enrolment to schools in Afghanistan is about 39.9%. In terms of political participation, more than 25% of Members of the Parliament are women. 4 out of 25 ministers, 11 deputy ministers and 4 ambassadors are also women. The number of women in Afghan police in 2017 compare to 2016 increased by 9.6 % and at the National Army it was increased by 29.6 % which is quiet significant.

The First Lady of Afghanistan has a key role in promoting women empowerment in the country. Women’s participation in cultural and art related activities are also promising. Just last week, Mrs. Roya Sadat, an Afghan female move maker received the alternative Oscar award for her 90 minutes film titled: ”A letter to the President”.

In terms of economic empowerment, women are the backbone of the major Afghan products such as Saffron and the handicrafts, particularly in Afghan carpet industry.

However, women’s participation in judicial and legal sectors in Afghanistan is not satisfactory and much needs to be done in this respect. But in terms of legal framework and reforms we see lots of progress.

Afghanistan is member of almost all international conventions, aiming for the protection and promotion of women’s rights, inter allia CEDAW. The Women Action Plan on Peace and Security is a clear milestone for promotion and protection of women rights as well as their active participation in peace negotiations. Last year, the adoption of Law on prohibition of female and child torture was a remarkable achievement in terms of setting the legal foundations for protection of women and girls’ rights.

Distinguished participants,

Despite the significant achievements which I mentioned some of them, unfortunately as a result of insecurity, low level of public awareness and illiteracy in remote areas, the number of cases of violation of women and girls’ rights are high. These violations are in the form of field trails, forced and child marriage and family violence.

The government of Afghanistan with the assistance of its international friends including Australia that is among the top ten major development partners to Afghanistan is committed to fulfilling its state responsibility and international obligations for the betterment of women and girls situation in terms of education, employment and representation in political, economic and social life.

On 28 of February, during the 2nd Kabul Process Meeting, President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani proposed a comprehensive Peace Plan to the Taliban insurgents without any preconditions. Women were actively participated on the discussions about this plan. There is particular emphasis on safeguarding the rights and obligations of Afghan people, especially of women which are guaranteed by Afghan constitution in the peace plan. The representatives of women and civil society will be introduced for peace negotiations.

We very much hope that this comprehensive peace proposal will pave the grounds towards peace and security in Afghanistan so that the Afghan people, men and women have the opportunity to live in peace together with other peace loving nations.

Thank you