For Immediate Release
July 20, 2004

Afghan Women Have New Opportunities
Iraq Fact of the Day

After years of suppression by the Taliban regime, Afghan women have new opportunities. Girls, who were once denied education, now comprise 35 percent of the 5.8 million Afghan children attending school. American contributions have helped rehabilitate 40 health clinics, and that number is expected to double over the coming months. This will greatly improve access to health care for women and children. Two Cabinet ministers are women, the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission is led by a woman, and when the Loya Jirga met in January to create a new constitution, 102 of the 500 delegates were women. Thanks to assistance provided by the United Nations, the United States and other international donors, women are contributing to Afghan society in many new ways.

SOURCE: U.S. Departments of Defense and State.