Violence against women is a major problem in Afghanistan, and many women and girls will fall victim to domestic violence during their lifetimes.  USAID is supporting Afghanistan’s Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MoWA) in a coordinated effort to raise awareness about domestic violence and women’s rights. 

On November 25, Minister of Women’s Affairs Hosn Bano Ghazanfar held a press conference to mark Elimination of Violence Against Women Day and distributed food to vulnerable women.  Other activities in November and December include the launch of a campaign titled “The Role of Men in the Family,” which uses booklets, posters, and radio spots to educate men about their responsibility to respect women’s rights.  Additionally, Salam Watandar radio station is broadcasting a six-episode, five-minute drama series in Pashto and Dari on human trafficking, which will reach listeners in all 34 provinces.

Provincial Departments of Women’s Affairs also hosted local events to raise awareness about violence against women.  In Kandahar, more than 300 women participated in a ceremony during which religious leaders and representatives of the Governor’s Office, women’s associations, and community groups spoke out regarding the violence against women in Afghanistan.  To end violence against women, ceremony participants recommended enhancing the awareness of male and female community members about women’s rights within an Islamic framework.