State Department Report Details Significant U.S. Support to Improve Life for Afghan Women, Children and Refugees

The report describes the magnitude of reconstruction efforts, especially in the political arena and in the day-to-day lives of women, children and refugees. In addition to specific initiatives for these groups, the overall reconstruction program focuses on Afghan women as planners, implementers, and beneficiaries.

Since the Taliban’s defeat, the situation of Afghan women has improved considerably. One indicator is the appointment or election of women to important political roles, with strong U.S. encouragement. Women are also now able to travel more freely, return to work, and receive long-deprived medical care. U.S.-supported health projects focus on maternal and child health needs. Teacher training, textbook distribution, and food-for-education projects reach female teachers, students, and schools.

The United States has spent nearly $300 million this year for Afghan relief and reconstruction. In addition, the United States contributes three-quarters of all food aid distributed by the World Food Program, on which at least one in every four Afghans depends for survival.

The report also describes U.S. efforts to support the Afghan Ministry of Women’s Affairs, and to create and operate a public-private partnership called the U.S.-Afghan Women’s Council.

As in most post-conflict situations, women and children constitute the majority of returning refugees in Afghanistan. Progress on this front has exceeded expectations-- nearly one million refugees have returned. Continuing support will be needed to help reintegrate these new arrivals, to sustain the inflow, and to care for those still outside of the country.

The report is available on the Department of State’s website at www.state.gov/g/wi. For hard copies of the report, please contact the Office of the Senior Coordinator for International Women’s Issues at (202) 312-9664.