2005-04-13

 

First provincial woman Governor in Afghanistan

Afghanistan named its first female provincial governor. President Hamid Karzai appointed Ms Habiba Surabi as the governor of Bamian province last month and made a step forward in the slow political progress of women since the fall of Taliban more than three years ago. Surabi, who was selected from an all-female short-list, served as a Minister of Women's Affairs in President Karzai's previous transitional government for almost three years. The previous administration of President Hamid Karzai approved the constitution enshrining equal rights for women last year. Conditions for women in Afghanistan have gradually improved since the overthrow of the Taliban in late 2001, who barred women from education. Ms Surabi, the 48-year old wife and mother of three children, is an ethnic Hazara.

During her 3 years of service as Minister of Women's Affairs, she also learned to speak fluent English. Ms Surabi said "My appointment has opened a way for other women" in her speech. She believes that President Karzai, by choosing her, sent a powerful signal that women were equal to men. She hopes her appointment as Afghanistan's first female provincial governor will set a trend in a country in which women were not allowed to work outside. These things are not in Islam but are cultural traditions in some areas of the country. Surabi used to live in neighboring country Pakistan during the Taliban regime, and she returned back after the US-led forces overthrew the Taliban government after the attacks on the United States on Sep 11, 2001. When she was announced as governor, somewhere between 150 to 200 people demonstrated on the streets in Bamian town. Demonstrators were loyal to the former governor and local militia commander, but they were quickly outnumbered by up to 1,000 people who came out in her support. It shows how fed up people are with warlords and fundamentalists. Generally, the biggest challenge for women is safety from the warlords and commanders. Security is very important for women to be able to come to court or visit rights associations.

She aims to restore and rebuild historical sites in Bamian, the site of two 1600-year-old giant Buddhas which were destroyed by the Taliban in 2001, promote tourism, and oversee the reconstruction of the province that has no power and no paved roads. Bamian's population is mainly made up of ethnic Hazaras, who are mostly Shi'ite Muslims and known for their greater acceptance of women's rights. Ms Habiba Surabi said behind every great woman is a strong and liberal-minded man, "it would not be possible to do such a tough job without my husband's support". Almost all Afghan people are happy with Ms Surabi's appointment as the first woman governor. After the successful elections, the new administration contains three women ministers and for first time a woman governor.

Comments:
I'm glad to see this.

(Of course, I wonder how well it would have been received had she been made Governor of Zabul or Paktika instead of Bamian?)
 
How wonderful for your country. This will benefit all of the people of Afghanistan. Definately a step in the right direction!
 
Great stuff Waheed. I hope her plans to restore the Buddah's and promote tourism. Tourism to Afghanistan could be a big source of revenue for your country. Good luck.
 
That is awsome to hear about. The Seattle Times has also reported this as well.

I posted part of your story on my blog as a primary source (hope you don't mind) and may post it on the Blogger News Network as well. God bless!
 
This must be a very impressive woman to learn fluent English in 3 years while serving in a national office. It is a great symbolic appointment as well. It would also be symbolically appropriate to invite Buddhist artists into Afghanistan to restore the statues. Somehow, I doubt there are any remaining native Buddhists.
 
A momentous step forward!
 
When I first heard of her appointment, I cried. I cried for joy! You may not realize how far you have come, but maybe you do. It took the USA over 100 years to allow women to vote! I am so happy for you.

She is right, ya know. It does take a lot of good men to support women in general so that sociaty con grow and become more secure. Nice article again, Waheed. Keep on bloggin'!
 
Good to see that women position in afghanistan is improving, perhaps this will lead to better things in the future
 
**eLearning**
 
There's hope yet for this country

bill consolidation loan - pay of bills &  pay off debt.
 
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