Afghan lawmaker calls for the integration of women in Afghan society

Kabul, 13 Aug 2009. - Deputy Shinkai Karokhail, before the elections on August 20, argues that the integration of women in social and political life of the country, is essential for the regeneration of Afghanistan.
"The future government of Afghanistan should take into account women, inclusion in the political power and give weight their decisions. Give them education, economic and health care. We must begin to fulfill commitments ", said Deputy afgan to Shinkai Karokhail, one of the female voices in the country.
In an interview with Efe, Karokhail acknowledged that the situation of Afghan women has changed for the better since the fall of the Taliban, but reported that women continue to suffer from poverty, lack of education and the dependence of man.
The name jumped in March Karokhail the headlines for his opposition a law promoted by President Hamid Karzai, which Shia women, a minority sect of Islam in the country-were below the men to justice.
Despite to achieve together other deputies of the reform project, Karokhail maintained that Afghan women still lack legal protection and are removed from politics, although for the siren song of electoral promises.
In recent days, much of the attention has focused on campaign promises of candidates to improve the situation of women in the country, as it did today the president, Hamid Karzai.
But activists like Karokhail, who chairs the Education Center for Afghan Women, limited to show "optimism" for the future while trying to win, step by step, spheres of freedom in the conservative society of Afghanistan.
And one of the keys to this, according to the deputy, lies in justice and security forces designed for women that serve to eliminate the "sexual harassment" that the police subjected on a daily basis thousands of Afghans.
"If the law does not protect us, then who will? We need a police and justice for women. There are many cases of women who suffer sexual harassment from the police, "he added Karokhail of Pashtun origin.
Guided by family pressure or, in many cases, by choice, many women still opt Kabul wear the burqa when they leave to the streets, although it is usual image of other women who prefer the hijab.
And the young Karokhail spokesman in charge of guiding Efe through the dusty streets of Kabul to reach the spacious house with lawn deputy, the tissue is removed upon entering the car.
Although the Taliban threat is not evident in the Afghan capital, the fundamentalists continued, and remain, in the southern areas under their control, a close siege against women's freedom and subjected the Afghan to strict control to education denied.
The majority (around 80 percent) are unable to read or write and stay in the background in a country where it is still obvious the traditional dominance of men in all spheres of daily life.
Afghan elections in 2009 mark the emergence of liberal capital's small outbreaks seeking greater participation for both women and for centuries delayed another sector, youth.
"Let me tell you my priorities: more opportunities and educational change. Said Efe decided Zubaida spokeswoman Akbar, the Forum for Civil Society in Afghanistan (ACSF).
With the ACSF, Akbar is available do reach the major candidates a road map with its proposals, aimed primarily to provide opportunities young people from Afghanistan, where 68 percent of the population is under 25 years.
"Not well defined who the Taliban ... Students of the Qur'an, old masters of the people, guerrillas ...? I have no enemies, but if we want our space needs to end with that thought, "he added.