AWRC celebrated the international women’s day in Saidkhail village (Tuesday 16th March 2004) and Bakukham village (Wednesday, 17th March 2004) through a program with two different components. Women invited in these programs in both centers included: UNIFEM staff, staff from local NGOs working in targeted regions, teachers of nearby schools, representatives from MOWA (Ministry of Women’s Affairs) in Kohistan district and Parwan province, women representatives of nearby villages, beneficiaries of AWRC projects and AWRC staff from Kabul regional office.

The morning programs in both centers included: speeches, poems, articles and a theatrical play by AWRC staff, AWRC beneficiaries in the community, women representatives of villages and others about women’s status, registration process, the new Afghan constitution, condition of Afghan women and their rights in Islam/ as Afghan citizens.

The second part of programs in both centers started after lunch and was about registration process for General Elections. 200 women in Bakukham village of Kohistan district and 250 women in Saidkhail village of Parwan province were given awareness on “women’s rights in Afghan community” and “importance of getting registered for General Election”.

The workshops provided women with an opportunity for gathering and discussing their lives as well as gaining knowledge on the new agenda for Afghan women today. Women trained gained knowledge, which gradually changes their attitude towards women's rights and their social status. They got this knowledge at a basic level as well as learning about the international regulations related to women at a global level and broader context. The event also benefited women through providing them with an opportunity, which they otherwise may not have had, to express themselves freely and learn from each other.

In the longer term, the project can contribute to women’s empowerment and confidence in their community. By linking the event to International Women’s Day AWRC contributed to the overall strengthening of the cause of Afghan women.

Follow-ups will be made with trained women to ensure they register for the new General Election as soon as registration starts at district and village level in targeted provinces.

Author: Mariam