With UN help, parliamentarians’ resource centre for women opens in Afghanistan

A new resource centre aimed at helping women Members of Parliament in Afghanistan to become strong political leaders and gain the knowledge they need to help shape the country’s future has opened thanks to support from the United Nations.

The parliamentarians’ resource centre, established by the Parliament and the UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), will give female leaders tools to influence the political agenda, said agency Director Meryem Aslan. “The centre will allow women to network amongst themselves and with members of provincial councils and civil society and debate the issues of the day in an environment focused on mutual support.”

With a library, computer room with internet access, a media room, an area for members to exchange ideas over tea, and conference rooms for meetings with their constituents and key players from political and the wider civil society, the centre will serve Afghanistan’s more than 20 female Members of Parliament, UNIFEM said.