Fact Sheet
Office of the Senior Coordinator for International Women's Issues
Washington,
DC
July 15, 2004
U.S. Commitment to Women in Afghanistan
The struggle for women's rights is a story of ordinary women doing extraordinary things. And today, the women of Afghanistan are writing a new chapter in their history.
First Lady Laura
Bush
March 12, 2004
Since overthrowing the Taliban in 2001, the United States has implemented more than 200 projects for Afghan women to increase women’s political participation, build civil society, create economic opportunities, support the education of girls and women, and increase access to health care. Afghanistan has achieved some remarkable political milestones during the past year to secure women’s human rights and civil and social gains. The most significant is the Constitution ratified on January 4, 2004 by the Afghan Constitutional Loya Jirga that provides equal rights to all citizens, men and women.
Afghan Youth
Sports Exchange:
In summer of 2004, girls from Afghanistan visited the U.S. to learn soccer
techniques and leadership skills so that they can organize school and city teams
when they return home. The girls, who range in age from 11 to 16 years, are part
of the Afghan Youth Sports Exchange -- a program whose mission is to develop
Afghan youth into leaders who will bring athletics to their communities. The
program hopes to create a lasting change in Afghanistan by building youth
recreation programs.