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<p>The UK has been forthright in its promotion of the full participation of women in all aspects of Afghan society, which is fundamental to securing a stable and prosperous future Afghanistan. We regularly raise the protection and promotion of women's rights with the Afghan Government and wider Afghan authorities. During her visit to Afghanistan early last month, the Senior Minister of State, my right hon. and noble Friend, the Baroness Warsi, underlined the importance of upholding historic gains in all areas since 2001, including human rights, education and health, with Deputy Foreign Minister, Mr Ershad Ahmadi, and other Government representatives. The Secretary of State for International Development, my right hon. Friend the Member for Putney (Justine Greening), also stressed the importance of this issue with President Karzai during her visit to Afghanistan at the end of last month. We will continue to raise women's rights at all levels.</p><p>The three-year review of delivery of the UK National Action Plan on Women Peace and Security (2010-2013) was laid in Parliament in November and includes details of the activities undertaken by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Department for International Development and the Ministry of Defence to support Afghan women over the last three years. The Secretary of State for International Development has also recently announced a new £7.5 million programme to support women's political participation at the provincial level and a new £3 million programme to help eliminate violence against women and girls in Afghanistan.</p> |