Afghan Women Play Key Role in Defending Afghanistan: MoD

Authorities from the Defense Ministry at an event in Kabul on Monday highlighted the key role of Afghan women in defending the country and said 7,500 women are serving in the ranks of the army and police.

Of 7,500 women, 7,000 are serving in the ranks of the special forces, army, police and air forces.

“They have a role in the commando forces, the air force, engineering, health, leadership and at different levels,” Deputy Defense Minister Shah Mahmoud Miakhil said.

At least 4,500 women are serving in the police ranks and play a key role in rule of law, the interior affairs minister, Massoud Andarabi, said.

“They are serving in the area of rule of law, counter-narcotics and in other tasks under the Ministry of Interior Affairs,” Andarabi said.

“The views and role of women in decision-making and outlining policy are vital and should be considered,” First Lady Rula Ghani said.

Meanwhile, Canada’s ambassador in Kabul Reid Sirrs expressed his concerns over an increase in threats against women in Afghanistan.

“Along with attacks against journalists, civil society activists and medical workers, it is clear that this pattern of attacks is aimed at undermining the progress achieved,” the ambassador said.

Other participants of the event called for preserving the achievements of women in the last two decades.