Women’s rights not to be compromised for peace: CEO

KABUL (Pajhwok): Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah has once again asked the armed insurgents to renounce violence, cut ties with international terrorist groups and introduce themselves as legitimate political entities.

Addressing a gathering marking Women’s International Day, Abdullah said women should have a prominent role in the peace process.

He said women’s rights would not be compromised in the peace talks with the armed opponents.

“Peace talks are not something behind the curtains and cannot reach a conclusion in the absence of the will of the people of Afghanistan. Our promise is based on honesty and that would never change.”

The CEO continued: “It is very clear that the people want peace and the government has echoed their demand and would share future steps with the people of Afghanistan as well.”

Abdullah said the presence of women in civil society groups, media outlets, the Parliament, judicial system, security forces and other government institutes showed gender equality.

The CEO termed women’s role vital in future elections as vital and added women’s presence and their votes in future elections would be impressive.

First Deputy CEO Mohammad Khan also addressed the event and said most of the women were still unaware about their basic rights.

Women’s Affairs Minister Dilbar Nazari expressed concern over the situation of women in the country and said the percentage of women casualties had reached 10 percent.

She said government’s efforts at addressing women’s problems were not enough and stressed increased efforts to fully address their problems.

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