KABUL (SW): The Independent Election Commission (IEC) is working on a policy to improve the role of women in the upcoming elections.
The Election Watch Organization of Afghanistan (EWOA) launched the results of a survey at a session called “Women Representative’s Responsibilities and their Role in Afghanistan” on Sunday here in Kabul.
Members of the EWOA said, based on their findings, lack of security, economic problems and negative views on women’s role in politics are the main challenges for women in the upcoming elections.
Habibullah Shinwari, spokesman for the EWOA, said women are not provided with good conditions to take active parts in elections.
Meanwhile, the Independent Election Commission (IEC) has also acknowledged that there are obstacles in this regard. Maliha Hassan, a member of the IEC, told the session that by implementing the new policy, the engagement of women in voting, campaigning, and nominating them as candidates will increase.
Some of the women present in the session complained about threats by warlords, local commanders and elders of the tribes during the election times. The women urged the government to take practical steps for better and effective participation of women in the upcoming elections.
According to the Election Watch Organization of Afghanistan, they have conducted a study based on interviews with women who are educated, politically active, and civil and human rights activists in Kabul.
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