Feminist Majority

Take Action Now to Help Afghan Women!

With both houses of Congress in the hands of the Democrats, we have a chance this year to pass meaningful legislation to help Afghan women and girls! Take a moment now to urge your Representative to vote for the Afghan Freedom and Security Support Act of 2007.

February 09, 2010

Subject:

I am writing to urge you to vote for the Afghan Freedom and Security Support Act of 2007, introduced by Representative Tom Lantos (D-CA).   Scheduled for a floor vote Wednesday, June 6, the Act includes the Afghan Women Empowerment Act of 2007.  The Act authorizes the appropriation of $30 million each year for three years for Afghan-led nonprofits, including nonprofits in Afghanistan led by Afghan women, $10 million each year for the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission and $5 million each year for the Afghan Ministry of Women’s Affairs.

Afghan women and girls continue to lack basic services and are increasingly under attack by Taliban and other militia groups who are trying to prevent women from exercising their rights.  Schools for girls are being destroyed, teachers killed, and girls and their families threatened.  Afghan women are working hard to restore their rights and opportunities, but they need critical resources. 
 
The Act of 2007 authorizes 1.7 billion dollars for humanitarian and economic assistance each year for three years and $320 million a year for security, including International Security Assistance Forces and training for the Afghan Army.  The assistance to women and girls includes equipment and medical supplies to health facilities “for the purpose of reducing maternal and infant mortality...”   Currently, one in six women dies due to pregnancy related complications.   Child immunizations and other critical health issues are also addressed in the Act as is the building of schools and literacy training for Afghan women.

This assistance is critically needed to prevent further deterioration of the situation in Afghanistan, especially for women and girls who are, once again, the targets of fundamentalists determined to take away their rights.

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