November 23, 2014 - The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State (Foreign Affairs and Consular), today participated in a discussion on human rights, justice and political participation during the Oslo Symposium on Advancing Women’s Rights and Empowerment in Afghanistan.
“Canada continues to be an important partner for Afghanistan in protecting and promoting women’s rights throughout the country,” said Minister Yelich. “Today, on behalf of the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister for International Development and La Francophonie, I am pleased to announce that Canada will support an initiative with the National Democratic Institute to enhance the meaningful participation of women in Afghan political life. This contribution will enhance the capacity of women candidates competing in the 2015 parliamentary elections, help those elected fulfill their mandates and broaden public awareness on women’s inclusion in politics.”
“Equality between women and men is essential to ensure sustainable development,” said Minister Paradis. “Through various initiatives with partners such as the National Democratic Institute, Canada seeks to advance women’s role in decision making and support the rights of women and girls.”
During the symposium, representatives of the international community, the Afghan government and Afghan women’s groups discussed what key reforms and investments are needed to promote women’s rights in Afghanistan, how the international community can support such progress and how it can reinforce international support for women’s rights and empowerment in the country.
The findings of the symposium will provide valuable input and highlight women’s issues in preparation for the London Conference on Afghanistan, which will take place on December 4, 2014.
A backgrounder follows.
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Canada’s $6.3-million initiative with the National Democratic Institute aims to support the meaningful participation of women in Afghan political life. Funding will help to enhance the capacity of women candidates competing in the 2015 parliamentary elections and support newly elected female provincial council members and parliamentarians in fulfilling their mandates. It will also help to broaden public awareness and dialogue about women’s inclusion in politics, using various media to reach women in rural and remote areas of Afghanistan.
Securing and increasing the role of women in Afghan elections are critical steps in making women’s voices a permanent part of Afghan political life. Canada’s funding is aimed at strengthening the democratic process in Afghanistan and facilitating a stronger leadership role for women through the provision of countrywide support to a broad range of activities that enhance the leadership capacity of women. Project activities include establishing campaign schools for women candidates and providing training in campaign planning, goal setting, voter targeting, public speaking and post-election orientation.
