Source: (2010) PeaceBrief. 29. United States Institute of Peace
In summary, the changing sociopolitical reality and the breakthrough in the perceived gender
roles are bringing women to new positions of responsibility and influence around the world
and also in Afghanistan. Now, more than ever, Afghan women have the opportunity through
the reconstruction process to work toward and shape a comprehensive peace agenda. We must
acknowledge that Afghan women’s important participation in traditional community dispute
mechanisms and their roles in the country’s wars as both conflict actors and peacemakers contradict
the perception that women are passive agents or victims in Afghan society. Women’s leadership
in social entrepreneurship, their growing presence in traditionally male-dominated occupations
and spaces, and their active role in lobbying the government and international community are
incrementally transforming longstanding cultural and structural norms and practices.
Harnessing the experience and capacities of Afghan women to engage in decision-making
processes in both peacemaking and reconstruction requires policymakers to adopt a perspective
that acknowledges and emphasizes women’s resiliency throughout decades of conflict, and their
important contributions to peacemaking and reconstruction in the post-Taliban era. The Afghan
government and the international community must continue to enhance the capacity of Afghan
women and encourage their participation in the reconstruction and peacemaking process. (excerpt)
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