Looking for leadership : Women's empowerment and Canada's new role in Afghanistan

Real peace is not possible if it ignores the interests of half the population; the concept of security is a misnomer if the rule of law excludes the rights of women. [...] In order for women to be empowered socially and economically, and in order for them to take their rightful place in the governance of their community and country, work must happen on three distinct levels: the personal, the social, and the political. [...] In this sense, the current upswing in momentum on the part of the Government of Afghanistan and many of its international supporters in pursuit of a peaceful reconciliation between the government and insurgent groups is laudable. [...] The Role of the International Community Of late, the international community has been eerily silent on the question of reconciliation and women’s rights; indeed, on the questions of women’s rights and national legislation on the whole. [...] Prevail on the President and the leaders of High Level Peace Council and Joint Secretariat for Peace, Reconciliation and Reintegration Programs to utilize the mechanisms they govern as a means to advance the human rights of women and girls.