Further, and perhaps most importantly, Afghan women now play an active role i...

Further, and perhaps most importantly, Afghan women now play an active role in the socio-political life of Afghanistan. Women have been appointed to high governmental posts and comprise a guaranteed percentage of representation in local and national governing bodies alike. In the most recent election, women ran for positions in provincial councils in greater numbers than ever before, and there were even two female candidates for President. More than 60,000 women were trained and volunteered as observers, poll workers and ballot counters. And, despite the increasingly turbulent security situation, more than 2 million women across the country came out to vote. Despite these positive developments, Afghan women do not enjoy the freedom and security they deserve. In order to fully satisfy our promise to the women of Afghanistan, we need to understand the roots of the problems as well as the situations today that frustrate our efforts.