Afghanistan Women - Heroes
An extraordinary event took place on March 6, 2006:On behalf of the Maryland State Senate, Senator Ruben welcomed the Women's Delegation of Afghanistan in the State House in Annapolis. The Delegation Members were:
- Habiba Danesh, Member of the Wolesi Jirga (Lower House of Parliament), Takhar
- Shah Gul Rezai, Member of the Wolesi Jirga, Ghazni
- Sharifa Zormati, Member of the Wolesi Jirga, Paktia
- Dilbar Nazari, Member of the Wolesi Jirga, Samangan
- Nasrin Parsa, Member of the Meshrano Jirga (Upper House of Parliament), Kabul
- Nafas Gul Khedmat, Member of the Meshrano Jirga, Farah.
Most of these women had never traveled outside of Afghanistan. Most were teachers and when the Taliban closed the schools they went underground and continued to teach.
They ran for office because they had experienced discrimination against women first-hand, and do not want the next generation of women to suffer as they did. They hope to advance women's rights by changing women's mindsets first and improving their awareness of their own rights. They hope to aid in the reconstruction of Afghanistan and promote women's rights.
In her remarks, Senator Ruben said: "You are the true heroes of Afghanistan. You embody the ideals of democracy and the future of your country. As you continue your career in public service, you can be extremely proud of what you have accomplished thus far. You have taught your young people, especially your young women, to speak out against oppression and to promote women's rights. You have my deepest respect and gratitude as you continue your work."