Paktika women want to be part of peace process

SHARAN (Pajhwok): Women in southeastern Paktika province say they have suffered the most as a result of the ongoing war, demanding participation in the peace process.

Addressing a gathering on the peace process here on Tuesday, civil society activist Kubra Mohammadi said women had lost children, husbands and other relatives to the conflict; so they were more willing than anyone else for lasting peace.

This demand comes after women from different parts of the country sought participation in the peace talks but their demand is yet to be met.

Parwana, another woman, said they were ready for peace and always emphasised on their participation in the national process.

She said recent peace talks had sparked concerns among women, whose views and demands should be considered in the peace process.

Anar Gisai, a rural woman, told the gathering that women’s participation in the peace process was important as they played a good role in the reconstruction of the country.

She added women had suffered the most in the ongoing conflict as they lost relatives.

Women Affairs Director Bibi Hawa Khoshiwal said women wanted stability and peace and they were tired of war. Women had shared their concerns regarding the peace process besides other problems.

sa/mud