On November 19, the House approved, 414-1, a resolution (H. Res. 393) commending Afghan women for their participation in Afghan government and civil society.
Sponsored by Rep. Judy Biggert (R-IL), the resolution states, “More Afghan girls are attending school than ever before in the history of Afghanistan,” and, “many millions more adult women are either returning to school to make up for the time they were not allowed to attend school during the Taliban regime or taking vocational classes to prepare for the job market.” The resolution also notes that, “in order for women to fully participate in Afghan society, they must have the right to vote, the right to run for office, equality of opportunity, and access to health care, education, and employment.” Finally, the resolution advocates the protection of women’s human rights in the Afghanistan Constitution.
Stressing the conditions Afghan women faced during the Taliban regime, Rep. Biggert noted, “…the women of Afghanistan are making tremendous progress in reclaiming their rightful place in society. Women are returning to positions they held in pre-Taliban times, working as doctors, lawyers, teachers, civil servants, and in numerous other professions.”
Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) agreed and added, “The end of the Taliban regime, appointment of women to the cabinet, and the establishment of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and the participation of over 200 women delegates in the June 2002 Loya Jirga gave women hope.”
