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Tag: woman

  • ‘Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow’

    ‘Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow’

    Without the inclusion of half of the world’s population, it is unlikely that solutions for a sustainable planet and a gender equal world tomorrow will be realised. …reports Asian Lite News

    As women and girls bear the burden of climate impacts, they are also essential to leading and driving change in climate adaption, mitigation and solutions.  Without the inclusion of half of the world’s population, it is unlikely that solutions for a sustainable planet and a gender equal world tomorrow will be realised. 

    International Women’s Day, 8 March, unites the world under the theme “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”, and call for climate action for women, by women. The latest data indicates the vital link between gender, social equity and climate change, and recognise that without gender equality today, a sustainable future, an equal future, remains out of reach.

    Women and girls experience the greatest impacts of the climate crisis as it amplifies existing gender inequalities and puts women’s lives and livelihoods at risk. Across the world, women depend more on, yet have less access to, natural resources, and often bear a disproportionate responsibility for securing food, water, and fuel.

    As women and girls bear the burden of climate impacts, they are also essential to leading and driving change in climate adaption, mitigation and solutions.  Without the inclusion of half of the world’s population, it is unlikely that solutions for a sustainable planet and a gender equal world tomorrow will be realised. 

    Last year, at the Generation Equality Forum, the Action Coalition for Feminist Action for Climate Justice was launched, bringing together governments, private sector companies, the UN system and civil society in order to make concrete commitments toward climate justice. This International Women’s Day, the Action Coalition is helping drive global action and investment with a focus on financing for gender-just climate solutions, increasing women’s leadership in the green economy, building women’s and girls resilience to climate impacts and disasters and increasing the use of data on gender equality and climate.

    In her statement for International Women’s Day, UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous says: “Let us make this International Women’s Day a moment to recall that we have the answers not just for SDG 5 but, through the advancement of gender equality, for all 17 Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2030. I look forward to working with every one of you to that end. “

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  • Pakistan failing to stop crimes against women

    Pakistan failing to stop crimes against women

    The scary situation with regard to women’s rights and safety in Pakistan has also been under the international radar…reports Asian Lite News

    Amid the increasing radicalisation of its youths, especially men, Pakistan’s institutional mechanisms are proving to be incapable of stopping crimes against women, a report said on Wednesday.

    The report cited several recent cases to assert that the ugly heads of patriarchy who see women as objects who need to be kept under veils and always monitored are slowly taking over Pakistani society.

    Most recently on February 14, Lahore High Court (LHC) acquitted the prime suspect in the murder case of a model named Qandeel Baloch as the parties to the case had an agreement and the statements by the witnesses were retracted. Qandeel Baloch was strangulated to death by her brother, Muhammad Waseem, an honour killing on July 15, 2016, in Muzaffarabad.

    Meanwhile, a recent report by the police in the Punjab province showed that around 41,000 women were reported as missing from the province in the last five years, with a staggering 3,571 of them unrecovered to this day.

    The scary situation with regard to women’s rights and safety in Pakistan has also been under the international radar, Islam Khabar said citing the Human Rights Watch’s (HRW) annual World Report 2022.

    People wearing face masks walk on a road in Rawalpindi of Pakistan’s Punjab province

    The HRW, in its Annual World Report 2022, documented allegations of extensive rights abuses against women along with children in Pakistan, which ranks 167 out of 170 countries on the Global Women, Peace and Security index released by Georgetown University.

    “Violence against women and girls, including rape, murder, acid attacks, domestic violence, and forced marriage, is endemic throughout Pakistan. Human rights defenders estimate that roughly 1,000 women are killed in so-called honour killings every year,” the HRW report stated.

    According to Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey data of 2017-18, 28 per cent of women aged 15 to 49 years had experienced intimate partner violence in their lifetimes. The report stated that as domestic violence is an issue covered in secrecy and embarrassment, these figures are likely a gross under-estimation.

    The report also talked about a recent law titled, ‘Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace (Amendment) Bill, 2022’, saying that the real test of this new law will be its full execution, which needs political will.

    Rights groups and various members of Pakistan’s civil society have been criticizing Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and his government, saying he panders to the religious right and excuses the perpetrators who attack women. He is known to be notorious while ‘demonizing’ women in every possible chance he gets.

    Male supremacy prevails in the Pakistani society at all levels, yet their “honour” fails to match their masculinity in all other matters and remains extremely delicate, easily compromised by and exceedingly dependent upon their women’s modesty, the report commented.

    The report comes when Pakistan has witnessed four horrific incidents against women in different parts of the country within a week, suggesting a serious rise in crime against women. (ANI)

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  • No more stereotypes, proves determined woman entrepreneur

    No more stereotypes, proves determined woman entrepreneur

    Blogger and influencer Aliayah Hussain, an MBA degree holder has a committed clientele of clients — jewellery brands, gaming arenas and specialised clinics for which she does digital marketing, besides running her own jewellery and skincare page on Instagram…reports Sukant Deepak

    Well, she told her parents that she was taking classes for JEE (Joint Entrance Examination). but Mehak Suhail

    (23), Kashmir’s youngest woman architect, was in fact preparing for NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture).

    It was only after the results came out that she told her folks. Someone who completed more than 70 projects in the past two years, a time when the pandemic had derailed everything, being young in a conflict zone is all about adapting, innovating and not shying away from risks.

    While completing her architecture degree in Pune, when Suhail came to Kashmir to intern for eight months, she realised that there was not enough material available to play with, weather conditions were extreme and no young woman was in the field.

    “But I preferred to look at the fact that there was less competition.”

    For someone who never advertised her practice, the breakthrough emerged when she designed a set for an exhibition at a major hotel in

    the valley, where one of the organisers was a home baker and wanted to set up her bakery.

    “There was no turning back after that. People liked the cafe I had done, and the word travelled. It is just ‘word of mouth’ publicity that established me.”

    Dealing primarily with men in her profession. she has had to adopt a very different face during work time.

    “My inherent disposition is to talk softly but now I prefer a more ‘firm’ stance. There have been occasions those labourers and artisan don’t listen because I happen to be a woman. Sometimes clients take you for a ride and do not pay up. One time, a client insulted me and beat my workers. Now my criteria of working with a client are not limited to the fact that he can pay — his conduct has to be conducive as well,” says the architect, who also works with the government and has designed two major stadiums, besides

    working on several heritage projects in Srinagar, Budgam, Gulmarg and Ganderbal and other places.

    She however stresses that she likes working in the Valley.

    “There are challenges, but ample opportunities. The challenge is the climate, and mindset of some people. But the pleasure of getting a chance to carry on with your passion in your own surroundings is unparalleled.”

    There is quite a buzz at The Derma Aesthetics and RK Beauty Studio run by 23-year-old Insha Muzaffar Wani in the Barzulla area of Srinagar.

    Still, a student of Hotel Management at IHC, Wani, who started the city’s first upmarket beauty salon is comfortable giving instructions

    to the staff while answering questions.

    “After all, I started the business when I was 21…” While her offices may be housed in the building owned by her father, the young woman raised capital herself to start both the businesses.

    “And in the case of Derma Aesthetics, which boasts of cutting edge equipment, I didn’t even tell my father that I had taken a loan of around 70 lakh from J&K Bank,” she smiles.

    Stressing that she always wanted to start her own business (“academics and I seldom got along”), RK Studio, she says has become a trendsetter in the region.

    “Before us, there were only beauty parlours. What you are seeing right now matches any upmarket salon anywhere in the country. I have not held back from investing in staff training and ascertaining that only top-of-the-line products are used here.”

    Though not a medical student, before starting her next venture, Derma Aesthetics, Wani wanted to ascertain that she acquired at least some knowledge about the field.

    “I did a course in Medical Cosmetology for that. Besides the usual botox and filler procedures, we have a specialist team of plastic surgeons from Mumbai on call.”

    Adding that when she started out, there were not many young women entrepreneurs around, so it was a constant struggle to make people believe in her abilities, Wani says, “My partner in RK backed out on the day of the inauguration, every step has been about proving myself. When you are a young woman, you have to try twice as hard to earn credibility.”

    Blogger and influencer Aliayah Hussain, an MBA degree holder has a committed clientele of clients — jewellery brands, gaming arenas and specialised clinics for which she does digital marketing, besides running her own jewellery and skincare page on Instagram.

    It all started when during the start of the pandemic, a friend manufacturing masks asked her for help.

    “The sales rose phenomenally after we launched an innovative and eye-catching campaign on social media. There has been no looking back ever since. I’ve lived here forever, so I know what will click with people across age groups.”

    Adding that contrary to popular perception, even small businesses in the valley run by educated youngsters understand the benefits of

    social media, Hussain adds, “Mainstream media advertisements are expensive. Also, thanks to the deep digital penetration in the valley,

    it makes all the sense to have a solid social media presence. Newer businesses are looping in people like me for their business accounts

    as they understand the short- and long-term benefits.”

    Even as skincare brands approach her to put their products on her page, she asserts that problems arise whenever there is an Internet shutdown as there is no way around it then.

    All set to launch her next project ‘Kehwa and Konversations’ which will focus on the valley’s culture, she adds, “It will essentially be

    about culture, tourism and people who have stayed back and are doing interesting projects here. I am sure it will be as much as an

    eye-opener for me, as for the readers and viewers.”

    Kainaat may have studied hospitality, and despite no background in design or running a business, her store ‘The Perfect Pair by Kainaat’

    that sells customised footwear and apparel is quite popular among youngsters. Starting out at the age of 23, this daughter of a single

    mother fuses intricate Kashmiri elements (tilla) on kohlapuris and juttis.

    “Although I started with a small space at my friend’s office, I slowly managed to make the business vibrant enough to afford a shop

    space in very little time.”

    Working with a supplier from Patiala, who sends the basic footwear, she is in talks for a collaboration with several major brands.

    “Negotiations with some international brands are at an advanced stage. I am looking forward to a major collaboration soon.”

    A major challenge is of course, working in a volatile region. “That is something exclusive to Kashmir which people in other parts do not have to encounter. Also, it can be tough for a 25- year-old woman entrepreneur to make people take her seriously. The artisans I work with happen to be men, so how can patriarchy be behind?”

    Attributing a major part of her success to social media, she says that it has made things extremely convenient for youngsters like her.

    “You don’t need to have a physical presence to be an entrepreneur today. Infact, I plan to put more effort on the social media part, besides expanding my store, of course.”

    ALSO READ-Kashmir handicraft all set to conquer European markets

  • Afghan women: Prisoners without bars

    Afghan women: Prisoners without bars

    Many had been the sole or primary wage earner for their family, but most lost their employment due to Taliban policies restricting women’s access to work…writes Sanjeev Sharma

    he Taliban rule has had a devastating impact on Afghan women and girls, according to the Human Rights Watch (HRW) and the Human Rights Institute at San Jose State University (SJSU).

    The HRW and the SJSU jointly looked at the conditions for women in Ghazni province following the taliban takeover since last August.

    The Taliban have banned women and girls from secondary and higher education, and altered curricula to focus more on religious studies. They dictate what women must wear, how they should travel, workplace segregation by sex, and even what kind of cell phones women should have.

    They enforce these rules through intimidation and inspections.

    The Taliban have imposed rights-violating policies that have created huge barriers to women’s and girls’ health and education, curtailed freedom of movement, expression, and association, and deprived many of earned income.

    “Afghan women and girls are facing both the collapse of their rights and dreams and risks to their basic survival,” said Halima Kazem-Stojanovic, a core faculty member of SJSU’s Human Rights Institute and a scholar on Afghanistan.

    “They are caught between Taliban abuses and actions by the international community that are pushing Afghans further into desperation every day.”

    The HRW and SJSU remotely interviewed 10 women currently or recently in Ghazni province, including those who had worked in education, healthcare, social services, and business, and former students.

    They described spiraling prices for food staples, transportation, and schoolbooks, coupled with an abrupt and often total income loss.

    Many had been the sole or primary wage earner for their family, but most lost their employment due to Taliban policies restricting women’s access to work.

    Only those working in primary education or health care were still able to work, and most were not being paid due to the financial crisis.

    “The future looks dark,” said one woman who had worked in the government.

    “I had many dreams, wanted to continue studying and working. I was thinking of doing my master’s. At the moment, they (the Taliban) don’t even allow girls to finish high school.”

    The women said they had acute feelings of insecurity because the Taliban have dismantled the formal police force and the Women’s Affairs Ministry, are extorting money and food from communities, and are targeting for intimidation women they see as enemies, such as those who worked for foreign organisations and the previous Afghan government.

    Most interviewees cited serious mental health consequences since the Taliban takeover, including fear, anxiety, hopelessness, insomnia, and a deep sense of loss and helplessness.

    “The crisis for women and girls in Afghanistan is escalating with no end in sight,” said Heather Barr, associate women’s rights director at the HRW.

    “Taliban policies have rapidly turned many women and girls into virtual prisoners in their homes, depriving the country of one of its most precious resources, the skills and talents of the female half of the population.”

    ALSO READ: ‘Taliban aiming to wipeout women from public life’

  • Afghan women banned from sports activities

    Afghan women banned from sports activities

    The ban of women in sports by the current government has faced criticism by international humanitarian organizations…reports Asian Lite News

    A number of sports club owners in Kabul said that the Taliban has banned athletic sports for women.

    “They (Islamic Emirate) don’t allow athletic sports (for women), although the women’s section was separated in the past and it is separated now too. The coach is also a woman, not a man. But let (women) be allowed to do their exercises,” said Hafizullah Abasi, head of a sports club, reported Tolo News.

    “Since the Taliban came to power, I was not allowed to exercise. I referred to many sports clubs for training. But, unfortunately, they said that the women’s section is closed,” said Tahira Sultani, a coach of Taekwondo and mountaineering sports.

    She has earned awards at the national level as well as abroad in the past eight years.

    “I had a lot of desire and ambition over the past six years. I wanted to raise the flag of Afghanistan in the world in the best way,” said Arizo Ahmadi, a member of the national Jujutsu team, reported Tolo News.

    Meanwhile, the Islamic Emirate said it would allow women’s sports based on Islamic values and Afghan culture.

    “We will pursue the policy of the Islamic Emirate in all aspects. Whatever is allowed in our culture and tradition, we will allow it,” said Dad Mohmmad Nawa, spokesman for Physical Education and National Olympic Committee.

    The ban of women in sports by the current government has faced criticism by international humanitarian organizations, reported Tolo News.

    “According to Human Rights Watch, there have been a number of concerning reports, including, Taliban bans on women’s sports, limited women’s access to health care due to Taliban rules requiring women to be chaperoned by a man, suspension of international aid,” Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) said earlier in a series of tweets. (ANI)

    ALSO READ: Bad weather hinders relief efforts in Afghanistan

  • UN concerned over rapid reversal of Afghan women’s rights

    UN concerned over rapid reversal of Afghan women’s rights

    United Nations is alarmed by the rapid reversal of Afghanistan women’s rights under the Taliban’s rule that began this year in August…reports Asian Lite News

    “UN Women — Afghanistan” issued a “Gender Alert” expressing concerns on the Afghan women’s situation, saying that since August 15, there have been rapid reversals for women across all aspects of Afghan society, according to the Tolo News.

    Further, the UN report was meant to “document and analyze” the “rapidly evolving Afghan context” on Afghan women’s rights and gender equality.

    UN concerned over rapid reversal of Afghan women’s rights

    “Since 15 August 2021, there have been immediate and dramatic reversals on women’s rights and fundamental freedom, particularly impacting their right to work, access to education, basic health and protection services, and participation of women and girls in the public sphere and decision-making mechanism,” the report emphasized.

    Meanwhile, it’s noted that under the Taliban’s rule the status of Afghan women has yet to be clarified.

    According to the Gender Alert report, Taliban’s assurance that the rights of women and girls will be respected under Islamic Law, “there is a rapid reversal of their rights across all areas of life.”

    Also, the UN report mentioned that approximately 60 percent of out-of-school children are girls.

    “US$ 1 billion or up to 5% of the GDP is the estimated immediate economic loss of restricting women from working,” the report cited in a graph.

    “This Gender Alert also explores how the rights of women and girls are interconnected, meaning that rapid improvement across the full spectrum of women’s rights is urgently needed,” the report said.

    The report also proposed support to “rebuild the Afghan women’s movement”, “support services for women by women,” and the “monitoring (of) human rights.”

    Rapid migration

    United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has expressed concern on rapid migration under the Taliban’s rule from Afghanistan to neighbouring countries such as Iran.

    A senior UN official urged the Islamic Emirate and the international community to find a ‘modus operandi’ to tackle the current crisis in Afghanistan, according to Tolo News.

    Further, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Filippo Grandi, warned that the economic collapse of the country would trigger a massive wave of migration to the neighbouring and world countries.

    “Ultimately, the Taliban, who are in control of the country today, and the international community and its entities need to find a modus operandi, need to co-exist with each other, need to make the necessary steps for that to happen,” he told the UN Security Council.

    “The Taliban of course by delivering on the all-important issues of the rights of women, women at work, rights of minorities–and the international community by supporting it as it needs to happen, the functioning of the state and all of this for the sake of the Afghan people,” he added.

    The UN and other humanitarian organizations are expressing grave concern over the deterioration of living conditions in Afghanistan as thousands of people still lack access to proper shelter in wintertime, according to the Tolo News.

    ALSO READ: Malala meets Blinken, seeks support for Afghan women

    Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation said that over 1,000 Afghans had been illegally crossing the borders to Iran.

    However, it’s believed that the formation of a strong economic system could overcome the current situation in Afghanistan besides help from overseas donors.

    According to the UNHCR, 3.4 million Afghan refugees are living in Iran, of whom two million lack legal documents (ANI)

  • ‘Covid caused rise in violence against women’

    ‘Covid caused rise in violence against women’

    About a quarter of women were feeling less safe at home while existing conflict increased within households since the pandemic started, said report…reports Asian Lite News

     A new report of UN Women has highlighted the impact of Covid-19 on women’s safety at home and in public spaces.

    Almost half of women reported that they or a woman they knew experienced a form of violence since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, Xinhua news agency reported, citing the report titled as “Measuring the shadow pandemic: Violence against women during Covid-19” – which is based on survey data from 13 countries.

    About a quarter of women were feeling less safe at home while existing conflict increased within households since the pandemic started, according to the report, released on the eve of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, which falls on November 25.

    When women were asked why they felt unsafe at home, they cited physical abuse as one of the reasons (21 per cent). Some women specifically reported that they were hurt by other family members (21 per cent) or that other women in the household were being hurt (19 per cent).

    Outside their homes, women were also feeling more exposed to violence, with 40 per cent of respondents saying they felt less safe walking around alone at night since the onset of Covid-19. About 3 in 5 women also thought that sexual harassment in public spaces worsened during Covid-19.

    Socio-economic stress factors such as financial pressure, unemployment, food insecurity and tense family relations stood out as having a significant impact not only on experiences of safety (or violence), but also on women’s well-being overall.

    “Violence against women is an existing global crisis that thrives on other crises. Conflict, climate-related natural disasters, food insecurity and human rights violations all contribute to women and girls living with a sense of danger, even in their own homes, neighborhoods, or communities,” said UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous in a press release.

    “The Covid-19 pandemic, which necessitated isolation and social distancing, enabled a second, shadow pandemic of violence against women and girls, where they often found themselves in lockdown with their abusers. Our new data underlines the urgency of concerted efforts to end this.”

    ALSO READ: Taliban ban Afghan women anchors

  • 104-year-old woman scores 89 out of 100 in literacy test

    104-year-old woman scores 89 out of 100 in literacy test

    She attended Saksharatha classes and teacher Rehna taught her how to read and write. “The teacher taught me everything like reading and writing letters in Malayalam,” said Kuttiyamma…reports Asian Lite News.

    A 104-year-old woman from Kerala’s Kottayam has become an inspiration for all and proved that age is just a number as she scored 89 marks out of 100 in the Kerala State Literacy Mission’s Test.

    The test, also called the Saksharatha test, was organised in the Ayarkunnam Panchayat of Kottayam district. Kuttiyamma, a resident of Kottayam Thiruvanchoor Ayarkunnam panchayat had never been to school and attended literacy classes at her home only now and by scoring 89 marks out of 100 and has become eligible to write the class 4 exam. Her husband T.K Konthi had passed away in 2002.

    She attended Saksharatha classes and teacher Rehna taught her how to read and write. “The teacher taught me everything like reading and writing letters in Malayalam,” said Kuttiyamma.

    “She can write letters now and is very happy,” says her teacher, Fehra John.  Kuttiyamma also sings many prayer songs and reads a newspaper every day. Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority is an autonomous institution under the General Education Department, Government of Kerala.

    The program aims to develop literacy skills through continuing education, provide chances for each and everyone interested in learning, enable the learners to make use of their learning in their daily life and ensure Secondary-level education to the whole of Kerala.

    The main beneficiaries of this programme are illiterates, neo-literates, school drop-outs and those interested in lifelong education.

    ALSO READ-Nations fail to address climate literacy to combat crisis

  • Woman rescues man

    Woman rescues man

    Rajeswari told media that she pulled up the friend of Udhayakumar for not rushing the injured man to the hospital…reports Asian Lite News.

    A woman officer of the Chennai police, E. Rajeswari rescued a man from underneath a tree that fell upon him at T.P. Chatram area.

    The woman police officer told media that she received a call from the control room stating that a man had been killed as a tree fell upon him.

    “I received a call that a tree fell on him at the cemetery in T.P. Chatram, and my team and I reached the spot immediately. On close inspection, I found that he was unconscious but alive,” she said.

    The man, Udhayakumar, 28, was working at the T.P. Cemetry and his friend informed the control room that he had died after the tree fell upon him.

    Rajeswari told media that she pulled up the friend of Udhayakumar for not rushing the injured man to the hospital.

    The inspector also said that the duo had drunk the previous night and the friend did not bother to take Udhayakumar to the hospital. The video of her carrying Udhayakumar on her shoulders went viral.

    She immediately took an autorickshaw and sent Udhayakumar along with his friend to the nearby general hospital.

    The injured person is out of danger and doctors said that he suffered a concussion.

    Kamal Haasan hails woman cop

    Actor-politician Kamal Haasan on Thursday congratulated a woman police officer who saved an unconscious man by carrying him on her shoulders to an autorickshaw and rushing him to hospital.

    The actor took to Twitter to congratulate police inspector E. Rajeswari, who carried a 28-year-old-man on her shoulders in a bid to rush him to a hospital after realising that he was only unconscious and not dead as presumed by other bystanders.

    Kamal Haasan said, “The duty conscious nature of inspector Rajeshwari, who is seen running even as she carries an unconscious man in a bid to save his life, is astounding. Her courage and service are praiseworthy. My whole hearted congratulations to this role model of an officer.”

    ALSO READ-‘Vande Bharat’ rescues 6.7 mn Indians

  • Security Council calls for ‘equal and meaningful participation of women’

    Security Council calls for ‘equal and meaningful participation of women’

    It further highlights the importance of “upholding human rights, including for women, children and minorities.”…reports Asian Lite News

    The Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution renewing the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) on Friday, specifying the importance of “equal and meaningful participation” of women in public life.

    The resolution also emphasises “the importance of the establishment of an inclusive and representative government”, in the wake of the Taliban takeover on 15 August.

    It further highlights the importance of “upholding human rights, including for women, children and minorities.”

    Authorising a six-month extension of the UN mission’s mandate, Council members requested the Secretary-General to prepare a report by January 31, 2022, that outlines “strategic and operational recommendations for the mandate of UNAMA in light of recent political, security, and social developments”.

    It also calls on Antonio Guterres to brief the Council on the situation in the country and the work of UNAMA every two months, until March 17, 2022.

    The resolution recognizes “the need for strengthened efforts to provide humanitarian assistance” and says it requires “all parties to allow full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access”.

    The people in Afghanistan are engulfed in multiple crises, with half the population in urgent need of aid. More than a billion dollars was pledged to assist the civilian population at a special UN humanitarian conference which took place on Monday.

    The 15 Council members also want to ensure that Afghanistan is not used as a base for terrorism.

    “The territory of Afghanistan should not be used to threaten or attack any country, to plan or finance terrorists acts, or to shelter and train terrorists, and that no Afghan group or individual should support terrorists operating on the territory of any country,” the resolution reads.

    The text stresses “the important role that the United Nations will continue to have promoting peace and stability” in the country, highlighting not only UNAMA but other agencies, funds and programmes.

    Separately, in a joint press statement by Security Council penholders (who lead and negotiate the drafting of resolutions) Norway and Estonia, their ambassadors noted that the situation “remains unpredictable”, in Afghanistan.

    For them, today’s vote shows “the unanimous position of the Security Council to support the Afghan people through a continued presence of the United Nations on the ground.”

    The two nations say they will “continue to support and strengthen the voices of women peacebuilders and human rights defenders in Afghanistan.”

    “Afghan women are pillars of society and must play an essential role in building sustainable peace and stability in Afghanistan,” said the statement.

    The co-penholders applauded the commitments made at Monday’s conference, to scale-up humanitarian funding, but say it is also critical to ensure that humanitarian assistance, in particular women humanitarian workers, will have safe and unhindered access throughout the country. (ANI)

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