Story by Navy Lt. Joseph R. Holstead
Photo by Air Force Staff Sgt. Jeff S. Nevison
NTM-A
Rights for women , pride in serving the country, and the encouragement for more women to serve the country in the Afghan National Army were the themes of the Ministry of Defense celebration of 2010 International Women’s Day at the 400 Bed Hospital (also known as Mohammed Dawod Khan Hospital) auditorium in Kabul.
After a rousing welcoming speech and introduction from Ministry of Defense’s Lt. Col. Mazary Amany, Lt. Gen. Mohammed Akram, First Deputy Minister of Defense congratulated the women and all in the crowd of about 200, saying, “Afghans have the voice and say all women should have rights, from voting to human rights, that we all share.”
He noted that the government is working to provide these opportunities and reminded the audience of the Taliban’s brutal treatment of women, which is un-Islamic. He emphasized near term goals, “as security conditions improve in Afghanistan, so will the expansion of schools and educational opportunities for women, as well as development overall.”
“Today, after nearly 40 years of fighting, we have democracy. Things have improved from ten and even five years ago. As progress continues, a better quality of life for all is the goal.”
He encouraged more women to put on the uniform of the Afghan Army and continue to work for their country.
“We ask that you help us to continue to grow the number of women in the Army well above the number we have today.”
He also thanked the hospital staff for caring for wounded Afghan soldiers so well, and praised international coalition partners (International Security Assistance Force and NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan), for sharing skills and supporting the hospital and the health of the Afghan people.
Poet Shamsal Bana recited an original poem mid-ceremony welcoming all the women, expressing that women are the pride of the country and are making its future.
The celebration closed with children singing traditional songs and several women, including coalition members, being honored for their service.
Lt. Col. Mazary, when receiving a certificate of appreciation, said loudly, “God willing, we will continue to expand our rights and have all the rights we deserve, as Islam requires.”
PHOTO: Poet Shamsal Bana concentrates as she recites a poem during a celebration of International Women's Day 2010 at the 400 Bed Hospital In Kabul
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