Stability in Key Areas (SIKA) – East Highlights from International Women’s Day

The events aimed to strengthen female voices, representation, and leadership in sub-national governance structures and institutions. A total of nearly 2,000 participants, with 1,549 women and 409 men, attended the events across the five provinces. Women made up an overwhelming 80% of the participants, indicating a significant success for women's inclusion. The events brought together government authorities, elected representatives, societal leaders, and civil society actors, garnering media coverage from local TV and radio outlets. In each of the five provinces, female DDA+ members took to the podium to share their perspectives and experiences working to address issues that have been raised by women in their districts, through SIKA-East facilitated sessions. Many of the female DDA+ members conveyed the importance of their perceived increase in capacity gained through SIKA-East capacity building initiatives, particularly with their abilities to address government officials to advocate on behalf of other women in their community. The events provided a rare forum for influential women from the districts to interact with senior GIRoA authorities, highlighting issues such as the lack of livelihood opportunities for women, harmful traditional practices, and inadequate access to health and education services. The gatherings also provided greater exposure for local DoWA offices that serve as the primary and in some cases the only trusted representative of women in these districts. In Ghazni Province, more than 300 participants attended the event, with 190 female participants (63%). The event was held in the provincial capital of Ghazni, with women mobilizing from Andar, Jaghatu, Dih Yak, Khwaja Umari, and Qarabagh districts. Local media outlets were present at the event, including Salam Watandar TV, TOLO, RTA, Radio Kilid, and Ghaznawan TV. In Logar Province, more than 628 citizens participated, with 520 female participants (83%). The event was held in the provincial capital of Pul-e-Alam, with women mobilizing from Kulan Ghor and Pul-e-Alam areas as well as Mohammad Agha, Khoshi, and Baraki Barak districts. DoWA secured additional funding from the Provincial Governor's office to cover costs for the higher number of participants. The International Women's Day forum in Logar Province highlighted and prioritized issues such as violence against women and harmful traditional practices. Ms. Shema Zargar, DoWA Director, shared a tragic story about a young woman who hung herself in Logar three weeks ago due to pressures associated with a looming forced marriage. This harsh situation resonated strongly with many of the women in attendance. The SIKA-East initiative will facilitate follow-on Action Summits in each province to review progress on government action concerning the issues raised, deepen the dialogue with key line departments, and improve cross-district networking. The program will also continue regular advocacy and lobbying training efforts for female DDA+ members to help them develop confidence and acquire concrete skills to effectively engage in the governance process, both as participants and decision-makers, advocate for their interests, concerns, and needs, and influence and benefit from public services.