Feminists Celebrate As Senate Committee Approves Peacekeeping Expansion and Aid for Afghan Women

Aug. 5, 2002

by NOW Staff

Feminists cheered last week as the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations unanimously approved the expansion of international peacekeeping troops in Afghanistan and funding for reconstruction and programs for Afghan women.

Committee chair Sen. Joseph Biden (D-Del.) and Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) led the effort to authorize $2 billion in funds for reconstruction over the next four years and $1 billion over the next two years to expand the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). Boxer introduced the bill's Assistance for Women in Afghanistan amendment, which earmarks $15 million for each of four years for the Afghan Ministry of Women's Affairs and $5 million for each of four years for the independent Human Rights Commission. It also funds programs to help improve health care, education, training and shelter for Afghan women.

The legislation will likely go to the Senate floor for action in the fall.

NOW President Kim Gandy expressed hope that the Senate Foreign Relations Committee's unanimous support for the bill would motivate the Bush Administration to support increased peacekeeping forces in Afghanistan and programs to help Afghan women.

"George W. Bush promised the people of Afghanistan that the U.S. would help restore human rights to the country," Gandy said. "But that promise has not been kept. Without security and democracy, Afghanistan remains vulnerable to terrorism. The successful reconstruction of an Afghan democracy, including full equality for women, is crucial to the stopping terrorism."