Conference provides rare insight into Afghan women and war

Farida Rasif will see her sister Aziza Parwani for the first time in four years when Ms Parwani presents her keynote address Can women recover from the violence and war? at the 2007 International Women’s Conference.

Mrs Rasif, a member of the conference committee, is very excited about seeing her sister again.

'It will be wonderful to see her. My children haven’t seen her in eight years, they’re very excited,' Mrs Rasif said.

Currently Manager of Programs with Save the Children (USA) in Kabul Mrs Parwani has also been appointed as Global Leader for Young Children in 2007.

'She has worked a very long time for women and for Save the Children,' Mrs Rasif said.

Ms Parwani’s presentation will be given on the Friday of the conference and provides insight into the living conditions of women in Afghanistan.

As a refugee in Pakistan’s North West Frontier Province, Mrs Parwani has seen the effects of war first hand and aims to improve life for women in Afghanistan.

'Addressing current concerns for women in education, employment and everything is very much the focus of my work and life, though the context may differ,' Mrs Parwani said.

'Afghanistan’s population is similar to that of Australia however, only 13 percent have access to safe drinking water, eight percent to adequate sanitation and life expectancy is 47 years.

'My dream is to enable women with education and wellbeing so as to be actively involved in the direction and development of society in Afghanistan,' she said.

The issue of violence against women being accepted and tolerated will be addressed in the presentation along with a discussion of women’s status and challenges they face.

'Women’s status faced its worst peak during the Taliban regime. They were forbidden from simple rights such as the right of education, work, leaving the house without a male escort; seeking help from a male doctor, and the right to dress properly.'

Many challenges still remain for women, including prevention from participation in public life in numerous rural families, Mrs Parwani said.

The International Women’s Conference will be held from Wednesday 26 September to Saturday 29 September 2007. It is a keystone event of the University of Southern Queensland’s 40th Anniversary celebrations.

For more information and to register to participate in the conference, visit the website www.usq.edu.au/iwc2007 or phone the committee (07) 4631 5476.

Media Contact: Jane Urquhart USQ Media +61 7 4631 2559