On 19^th, 20^th and 21^st December 2016, EPD invited 75 members  to Kabul from its 15 Provincial Women Networks to exchange ideas, share experience and discuss about the advocacies that they have conducted during past half an year. The program included presentations, group work and panel discussion. 

On the first and second days of the program, the representative of each network worked in groups and gave presentations on main achievements and advocacies that they have conducted in terms of enhancing the implementation of four pillars of 1325 UNSCR at the grass root level. They also discussed the challenges they had faced during implementation of their programs. During last six months, the networks have put a lot of efforts to prevent violence against women, protect them and enhance their involvement in different key aspects of society. Also, the network has provided women with psychological counseling, medical aid, shelter and access to formal and informal justice,when it was needed.

Some of the remarkable achievements that the networks have accomplished are as follow:

-Decreasing high rate of dowry paid by groom in Paktia

-Providing full and half scholarships for students in Nangarhar, Kabul and Bamyan

-Encouraging girls’ education

-Raising awareness through workshops, documentary screening and dialogues

-Solving domestic violence cases

-Enhancing recruitment of female police officers

-Holding the related authorities responsible for a better service delivery and many other examples.

The participant also mentioned that VAW, low level of women participation and financial dependence remain a significant constrain for women in most of the provinces. Furthermore, volatile situation in Kunduz, Faryab and some other provinces was a significant challenge in conducting effective programs.

On third day of the exchange, a panel discussion was facilitated by Mr. Edrees Omarzad (Executive Director at EPD), Ms. Nasima Omari (Senior Program Officer at Cordaid), Ms. Zarghona Baloch (representative of High Peace Council) and Ms. Parwin Khaliqi (Representative of MoWA). The session provided this opportunity for the participants to discuss problems of women at the community level and their solutions.

Mr. Omarzad cited that male dominance is a main challenge for women not only in Afghanistan but also in most of developing countries. Moreover, he praised the efforts that PWN endeavored to advocate for women’s peace and security.

Representatives of MoWA and high peace council briefed the participants on achievements and policy reforms which their organizations have carried out. Ms. Khaliqi mentioned anti-harassment and policy for access to justice as examples of the ministry’s attempt to support women and eradicate VAW.

The program was concluded by developing a statement, compiled of the inputs provided by the participants. The final version of the statement will be sent to high peace council, ministry of women affair and other concerned offices to take appropriate action.