Discussion on women’s participation in elections
28 June 2019
Esmatullah Jafari, journalist, civil society activist and an active member of Herat Youth Network, in collaboration with Mediothek Herat and Community Safety Planning Committee (CSP), a local institution dedicated to social and civil development, organized a one-day public awareness program with the aim of raising awareness among women about the importance of their participation in the upcoming precedential election. The event was conducted on 27 June 2019 in which about thirty activists from various civil society institutions, women rights advocates, students and citizens participant.
Mr. Jafari believes that women’s participation in the upcoming elections is not only a crucial element for strengthening democracy in Afghanistan but it is also an important element for promoting a line on thinking that women are equal and that power and freedom to elect the person whomever the deem qualified. “The participation of women in processes such as election is also an important issue in the institutionalization of political activism in the country and the equality of men and women,” says Mr. Jafari .
“Women’s participation in elections is a principle in democracy, said Hamed Sarfarazi, speaking at the opening of the program, Mediothek Herat coordinator, “women make up half the population and undoubtedly their participation contributes hugely to the legitimacy of the elections and provides a platform for exercising freedom,” added Sarfarazi.
Often women’s participation in political activities in Afghanistan is feeble and symbolic, therefore is very important to raise awareness about the importance of women’s participation seems in political arenas such as election and social matter and the event provided a chance for women and activists to share their thoughts and views about the issue and think about improving the situation. The event focused on the importance of raising awareness about meaningful women’s participation in elections.
Mediothek Herat coordinator reiterated that Mediothek’s aim is to support initiative by youth aimed at promoting peace and political participation across the spectrum and especially of Afghan women across the nation.
Fatima Mohadani, a participant of the event, says that this event provided a chance to seriously think about our duties, raising awareness among women, and I am committed to sharing what I learn with my family and the wider community. Indeed, I come to the conclusion that we must encourage women to see participation in the election as a responsibility and as a right.
“Honestly, I did not think about taking part in election as a responsibility or right, and know I learnt that elected people is actively giving them the right to determine the fate of a nation and therefore it is very important,” said another participant, Zahra Husseini.
