The Support of People from Women candidates

 Written by: Naqib Ahmad Azizi

Afghan women could serve in political and social affairs. They could be nominated for presidential or parliamentary elections and most people support them. Sometimes some of these women might face some problems.

AEPO’s writer/producer has talked to some women about this issue.

Taha Shaheedi, a resident of Herat province says: “When a woman nominates herself for the parliamentary election, some people and even some media insult her and some families also create problems for her. I saw some women’s posters in the city that some people had written unfair words about them under their pictures.”

Hela Mujaba, a resident of Paktia province says: “I was a candidate for the parliament. Some people were creating problems for me. They were threatening me to death through written messages and phones. They were asking me to leave politics and be at home. They warned me in social media that if I take part in my campaign, they would kill me; even my relatives threatened me to death.”

What do people think about the causes of these issues?

Taha Shaheedi says: “The level of their knowledge so low that they could not tolerate seeing women in high positions and they create problems for women.”

Hela Mujtaba says: “Those who were not enough educated, were creating problems for me and those who were already members of the parliament, they were also causing me not to succeed to the parliament because they were afraid that youths might unveil their corruption.”

How do elders and youths solve these issues?

A girl from Herat province says: “If we have women candidates for the parliament or village council, the women and girls should support them.”

Shagofa Noorzai, a representative of Helmand province in the parliament says: “In the beginning of my nomination to the parliament, first of all, those whom I know them, were creating problems for me. I asked the help of my relatives and we held meetings with them and we invited those who were against me and convinced them. I succeeded in the parliament and I serve my people. I regularly go to Helmand and talk about the problems of our people and find a solution for them.”