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Afghan Parliamentarians Sabrina Saqib, Fauzia Kofi, Nasima Neyazi, Fariba Ahmadi, and Safura Elkhani. IDRC Photos: Isabelle Bougeault-Tassé

In 2005, millions of women voted alongside men in Afghanistan’s first parliamentary elections in more than 30 years. Scores of women won seats in that vote, joining their male colleagues in forming the new government.

On March 7, 2008, on the occasion of International Women’s Day, IDRC hosted a discussion with Afghan women parliamentarians. The event was one stop on a study tour of Canada sponsored by the Centre, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, and the Parliamentary Centre. Helena Guergis, Canada’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, welcomed the guests.

Fauzia Kofi, Nasima Niazi, Safura Elkhani, Fariba Ahmadi Kakar, Safia Sediqi, and Sabrina Saqib, who, at 29, is the youngest female MP in the Afghan Parliament, spoke of the particular challenges that women in Afghan politics face, their own motivations for pursuing a career in politics, and their goals and aspirations as parliamentarians.

“[These women are] at the forefront of efforts to rebuild Afghanistan. They are claiming for Afghan women their proper place, which is right at the heart of the reconstruction and governance of their country,” noted IDRC President Maureen O’Neil in her opening remarks.

Afghanistan’s Ambassador to Canada, Omar Samad, said the Afghan government is aware that its women parliamentarians face particular challenges such as security concerns, resistance from certain social groups, logistical issues, and simply not being taken seriously by male politicians.

Human rights activist, filmmaker, and author Sally Armstrong also spoke of her experiences in Afghanistan. Khorshied Samad, former Kabul bureau chief for Fox News and spouse of Mr Samad, moderated the session.

Khorshied Samad and Sally Armstrong		Canada’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Helena Guergis.
	Afghanistan’s Ambassador to Canada, Omar Samad

2008-03

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