Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai has underscored the importance of empowering girls on the occasion of the International Day of the Girl, calling for educational opportunities to be made available to them at all levels.
In a message issued on Sunday, 19 Mizan, Karzai said Afghanistan’s progress depends on giving serious attention to girls’ abilities and ensuring they have access to educational opportunities.
He added that girls should be able to complete their higher education and use their knowledge, expertise and skills to serve the people and their country.
The former Afghan president expressed hope that greater efforts would be made to empower girls and that the doors of schools and universities would be reopened to them as soon as possible. This, he said, would enable them to contribute to the country’s development and bring honour to Afghanistan on the international stage.
Karzai also noted that, given Afghanistan’s cultural heritage and longstanding respect for women and girls, Afghans take pride in recognising their status, achievements and courage at both national and international forums.
His remarks come amid comments by Shahabuddin Delawar, head of the Taliban’s Commission for Contact with Afghan Personalities, who said in a televised interview that women’s rights had not been discussed with the United States during negotiations over the Doha Agreement. He also claimed that raising issues concerning Afghan women, particularly at international meetings, was considered a source of shame for Afghans.
Karzai has repeatedly called on the Taliban to lift restrictions on girls’ education and allow them to return to schools and universities.
Writer:Roya Stanikzai
