The State of Qatar participated in a virtual panel discussion on “What Role for Women Mediators and Peacebuilders on Current Security Challenges? The Case of Afghanistan”, organized by Women in International Security (WIIS) Italy, in cooperation with Global Alliance of Regional Women Mediator Networks and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The State of Qatar was represented in the discussion by HE Assistant Foreign Minister and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater.
The discussion, which was inaugurated by HE Assistant Foreign Minister and HE Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Marina Sereni, focused on the current situation of Afghan women, and initiatives that can be taken to enhance their protection and meaningful participation in political and peace processes.
HE Italian Deputy Foreign Minister thanked HE the Assistant Foreign Minister for hosting the panel discussion, and urged in her speech support for the brotherly Afghan society, in particular Afghan women who are able to play a vital and effective role in forming a more cohesive society
HE Assistant Foreign Minister said that everyone has seen the tremendous role that women can play in conflict resolution and community empowerment around the world, as this role will not be different in Afghanistan, especially with an empowered generation of women there.
Her Excellency shared the touching story of two Afghan women who had a role in bringing about positive changes in empowering women’s rights to education, employment, freedom of movement and healthcare and reducing exposure to violence.
HE added that this is a story of two women from Afghanistan, but there are many similar stories, of women who have played an important role in change within Afghanistan, with such bright minds, and with the resilience consistently seen in Afghan women, HE Assistant Foreign Minister said that she remains optimistic that there is still hope in Afghanistan.
For her part, HE Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Marina Sereni expressed her thanks for the tremendous efforts of the State of Qatar in the process of evacuating Italian citizens from Afghanistan.
The panel discussion was attended by HE Ambassador of Italy to Afghanistan Vittorio Sandalli, HE Deputy Special Representative (Political) for Afghanistan in the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and Afghan Peace Negotiator Fatima Gailani.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
