AFGHANISTAN: Bad Security a Hurdle for Female Hopefuls

Two female contenders for the Afghan presidential elections complain that the deteriorated security situation challenges their campaigns

Shahla Atta and Frozan Fana, the only two female presidential candidates, urged the Afghan government to provide a satisfactory security situation to enable them to launch their campaigns on the outskirts of Kabul city.

“I cannot visit the districts because of the serious security threat,” expressed Shahla Atta about her concerns over the situation that limits her ability to campaign.

Taliban militants have intensified their attacks, reaching a record level in Afghanistan ahead of the country's presidential and provincial council elections.

The worsened security situation not only threatens the female candidates, but traveling to some 10 southern militant-controlled districts is also incredibly difficult for the 39 men who are running for the elections as well.

“I welcome any steps forward to provide immediate security for us to campaign nation-wide. I seriously urge the international community to help provide better security for the candidates,” said Forzan Fana, one of the female presidential candidates.

Both of the female presidential hopefuls believe in their own victory in the August 20 elections as they argue that the women will vote for them, despite the fact that few Afghan women obtained voter cards.

Meanwhile, US Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues, Melanne Verveer, insisted on paving the ground for the female Afghan candidates in her recent visit to Afghanistan.

Ms Verveer termed the contribution of women in presidential and provincial council elections crucial, describing it as an important chance for Afghan women to take a part in elections.