The only female prosecutor in Kandahar province, Zainab Fayez, 26, has wrapped up around 50 cases of violence against women in the southern zone of the country in the past two and a half years.

Fayez, said she supports women and ensures justice is served on perpetrators of violence against women.

“Since I have been appointed here, 50 cases have been referred to me. I have investigated all those cases and the women have achieved their rights. Most of these cases were about heritage, divorce and beatings,” said Fayez. 

Fayez said an increase of violence against women and unacceptable cultural practices were key problems for women in the province. She also said not enough women are employed in government in the province.

“Malalai Miwandi (an Afghan warrior) has been a role model for me. She started with zero and I also started here from zero and I know that I can help the women here,” Fayez said. 

Meanwhile, a number of civil society activists in Kandahar said women’s role should be enhanced and increased in government and non-government institutions in the province. 

“There are cases that have not been touched for years. And now that women’s roles have increased in the judicial and legal institutions, it is obvious that women’s rights will not be stepped on,” civil society activist Bibi Layeqa said. 

Although Fayez is the only female prosecutor in Kandahar, women and girls in the province believe that if better education opportunities are provided to them, many women would seek jobs in government.