KABUL (SW): A vicious combination of impediments such as sexual harassment, nepotism and insecurity has resulted in further reducing the already low number of females in the public sector.
Speakers at moot told journalists in Kabul on Sunday, the percentage of women in public sector has dropped from 22 per cent to 20 percent.
Spogmai Wardak, deputy minister of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MoWA), said the ministry’s reviews indicate that the women’s participation in government employments has decreased by 2 per cent. Previously women occupied 22 per cent of government jobs, but it has now fallen to 20 per cent, she lamented.
Fawzia Kofi, member of the Wolesi Jirga (lower house), said on the occasion appointments based on nepotism and negative views in the society for the working women are the main constraints that have kept many women and girls away from working in the public sector. “Aside from change in the policies, people’s mindset should also be changed in this regard”, added Kofi.
Diana Bowen, Chief of Party, USAID Promote: Women in Government project, said on the occasion no efforts would be spared to ensure women’s empowerment and participation in the decision making process.
The Promote project is a five-year, USAID-funded project designed to facilitate Afghan women’s entry into decision-making roles in government service, encourages policy reform within the government, increases support for women in government, and establishes an internship program for college-level female students interested in working within government ministries.
ENDS
