[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 167 (Wednesday, December 5, 2001)]
[House]
[Page H8893]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  FUTURE ROLE OF WOMEN IN AFGHANISTAN

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Millender-McDonald) is recognized for 
5 minutes.
  Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to continue to speak out 
on the critical issue of women in Afghanistan and their plight during 
these perilous times. As Democratic Chair of the Congressional Caucus 
on Women's Issues, I have made it a priority to address the House each 
week to provide a voice to the women who have been silent far too long. 
It is also my intention to continue to raise awareness about the 
current state and the future state of women and children in 
Afghanistan.
  Today marks the conclusion of the Bonn negotiations for a post-
Taliban government in Afghanistan. A new interim administrator will be 
in place by December 22. While few women were involved in the current 
negotiations, I am happy to learn that women will take part in the 
rebuilding of their country. The new administration will include five 
deputy prime ministers and 23 other members for negotiation. Of the 
five deputy prime ministers, one is a woman. Women are also expected to 
occupy up to five other ministerial portfolios. One minister is to be 
established solely for women and children. I am happy to report that 
there is progress being made.
  Under the proposed agreement, a special commission will be appointed 
within a month to organize the calling of an emergency legislature or 
traditional constituent assembly of provisional leaders and notables. 
It should be called within 6 months and would have the right to revise 
the new interim executive and create other bodies that would serve for 
up to 2 years.
  The commission is also to ensure that due attention is paid to the 
presence in the governing body of a significant number of women. The 
proposed agreement foresees the drafting of a new constitution to be 
ratified by another legislature, with elections to take place at the 
end of that 2-year period.
  As women strive both inside the country and outside to contribute 
towards shaping a meaningful future, we must demonstrate our resolve to 
help those Afghanistan leaders be involved in all political and 
economic negotiations from the outset. It is extremely important that 
there are not just a few women used as tokens but as real partners and 
equal partners. Women need to be involved in every aspect of that 
country's fabric.
  As I have said before, Afghan women must be ensured of their basic 
human rights once more such as access to safe drinking water and 
sufficient food; to receive decent health and maternal care; and, 
foremost, to again move freely in their society without being subject 
to harassment and abuse. Above all, they must be allowed to practice 
their religious beliefs as Islamic women without retribution.
  It will be important to see that women are involved in the emergency 
laya jerga since it appears that this is a real place where power and 
authority will be exercised.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present this report this evening.

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