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UN: Afghanistan is one of seven countries that has no women in its cabinet
The United Nations said women have participated in diplomacy for centuries, but their contribution has often been overlooked.
In a statement marking International Women's Day in Diplomacy, the United Nations said that Afghanistan is one of only seven countries that does not have a single woman in its cabinet.
International Women's Day in Diplomacy is celebrated on June 24 every year at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
The United Nations said women have participated in diplomacy for centuries, but their contribution has often been overlooked.
The organization stated that only 26 countries in the world are led by women; and that women make up 23.3% of the total number of cabinet members worldwide. This is a slight increase on 2024.
However, Afghanistan is one of only seven countries in the world that does not have any women in its cabinet.
Amina Mohammad, Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, says: "This day is not just an occasion, but emphasizes the importance of women's participation in governments and peace negotiations at the international level. If we leave half of humanity behind, we cannot reach our common goals.
"Research shows that when women participate in peace processes, the likelihood of reaching a lasting agreement increases and the results are more durable and inclusive. We need to promote policies that encourage women's participation in political decision-making processes," she said.
At the same time the European Union's charge d'affaires in Afghanistan says the resistance, courage and hope of Afghan women is extraordinary. Rafaela Iodis, in Kabul, says that women in Afghanistan's diplomacy not only break barriers; they also build the future of this country.
Iodis said: "Since coming to Afghanistan, I have met the most resilient, courageous and hardworking women who are determined to shape the future of this country."
However, the Islamic Emirate has always said that women's rights have been secured more than ever before in accordance with Islamic Sharia.
But on the eve of the upcoming UN-led Doha meeting, which is scheduled to be held in less than five days, reactions to the absence of Afghan women at this meeting have increased.
In the latest case, the G7 asked in a letter to the United Nations that civil society and women should be part of the Doha talks.
Related stories:
UN Women call for global action ‘to end restrictions on Afghan women’
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G7 envoys urge national dialogue for lasting stability in Afghanistan
Special Representatives of the Group of Seven (G7), including the European Union, have emphasized the importance of a national dialogue for achieving long-term stability in Afghanistan.
Following a meeting on Afghanistan in Geneva, Switzerland, G7 special envoys issued a joint statement calling for the restoration of women's rights and urging the Islamic Emirate to fight terrorism.
The statement reads: "Achieving sustainable peace and stability requires credible governance that represents all segments of Afghan society."
The representatives also expressed concern over the IEA’s decision to ban girls from attending medical institutes, warning that it will have devastating consequences for the citizens, particularly mothers and their infants.
The statement described this ban as unacceptable and called on the Afghan authorities to lift it immediately.
Earlier, countries and international organizations had called for the removal of restrictions on the education and employment of women and girls, emphasizing the need for a national dialogue.
In response to these concerns, IEA has repeatedly stated that it will not allow interference in the internal affairs of the country.
The G7 special envoys also expressed their concern about the recent terrorist attacks in Kabul and the surrounding region, warning that terrorism remains a serious threat to Afghanistan's security. They confirmed the actions of the IEA against Daesh but stressed the need for more decisive measures.
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Afghanistan’s bright future lies in educating girls: Karzai
Hamid Karzai, the former president of Afghanistan, says the demand of Afghan girls for the reopening of schools and universities is their fundamental right and adds that Afghanistan cannot have a bright future without ensuring access to education for girls.
In a statement on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Karzai said: "The demand and voice of our country’s girls for education and knowledge is a rightful one and crucial for a prosperous Afghanistan."
He further emphasized, "Empowering the youth—both girls and boys—is the only way to achieve self-reliance, break the cycle of poverty, and drive the development and prosperity of society."
Karzai underscored that education is vital for Afghanistan’s growth and development, expressing hope that the doors of schools and universities for girls will be reopened as soon as possible.
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IEA to set up special courts to address pensions
Mawlawi Hebatullah Akhundzada, the supreme leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), has issued a decree to establish special courts to address pensions, Bakhtar news agency reported on Saturday.
According to the decree, the courts must confirm and process pensions in accordance with Sharia and law.
Pensioners have repeatedly voiced concern over delay in payment, saying that their financial challenges are growing.
Earlier this year, IEA's supreme leader banned money being deducted from salaries of government employees for pensions.
He also requested information on the tenure of employees and the total amount deducted from salaries for pensions.
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