KABUL - Despite positive efforts by the government, life remains difficult for Afghan women, especially in rural areas, the European Union said on Wednesday.
In a statement from EU, poverty, illiteracy, violence, traditional norms and harmful practices refusing females their rights in having an equal position in society were cited as major challenges to Afghan women.
EU Special Representative Ambassador Franz-Michael Mellbin said: “The fight for women's rights and equal opportunities has only started in Afghanistan - there is still a very long way to go.”
In October last year, the envoy recalled, Kabul in Brussels presented a strong vision for Afghanistan, including plans to improve conditions for women.
During the conference, several leaders – including the president and the CEO – expressed their personal determination to ensure gender equality and combat violence against women.
“The EU in Afghanistan now asks the Afghan leadership to live up to their promises and act to improve conditions for women in the country," Mellbin said.
The government was asked to implement the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security and give women full participation in all aspects of the peace processes.
“Of special concern is continued widespread violence against women. The increasing use of extrajudicial killing and torture of women by the Taliban and other anti-government elements are gross violations of the basic human rights of Afghan girls and women. This must stop immediately."
The EU pledged to work closely with the Afghan government and civil society to promote women's rights and their full and equal participation in all walks of life, including access to services, work, public life and government. (Pajhwok)