Women in the rural areas of Afghanistan have called on leaders and the government of the country to listen to the hardships they suffer because of the ongoing war.
 
With the help of the Afghan Samoon Society, nearly 50 women have come to Kabul from south-east, eastern and central provinces of the country to share the challenges and problems that women and girls are facing with in rural areas.
 
The women have come to Kabul to be part of International Women’s Day and want to use the opportunity to publicize their problems and to make sure their voices are heard.
 
One Helmand women, Zulheja, who has lost three of her sons over past two years in the war in the province, said their wives and her grandchildren are living in dire conditions.
 
Her three dead sons were policemen and she has now brought three of her grandchildren to Kabul to have their voices heard.
 
“I demand that the President and CEO pay attention to us. They should support us. I have become week. My injured son needs help,” Zulheja said.
 
Nikbakht is a teacher in Paktika. She also has come to Kabul to be the voice of Paktika women.
 
Another woman, Anargul, has come from southern Kandahar province and says that the fighting and conflicts have destroyed their homes.
 
“No one yet has asked about our situation. Our houses have been destroyed and we live in tents. When a cat crosses over the tent roofs or a dog howls, all the people living under tents get afraid,” she said.
 
Afghan Samoon Society staff say, these women will meet with President Ghani and First Lady of the Country, Rula Ghani, in the next days.
 
“We asked women and girls from unsafe provinces and rural areas to come to Kabul and share their problems and demands,” said Zakia Wardak, a partner of Afghan Samoon Society.
 
Institutions defending women rights always have been criticizing government for not paying attention to women status living in rural areas.