The Foreign Service Journal, October 2014

40 OCTOBER 2014 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL in discussions on social attitudes and gender roles is another critical component in enhancing Afghan women’s empower- ment and protection in a conservative environment. ese discussions have led to men being more willing to allow their wives and daughters to acquire basic literacy skills and to be more accepting of the important role that women play in the community and household. It is also important to bear in mind that a lot of this work is done in very fragile and insecure environments, where a great deal of sensitivity and technical know-how is required. Our partners are likely putting themselves at additional risk in Afghanistan—where civilian casualties and kidnapping of aid workers are on the rise—by working directly with the U.S. gov- ernment. ese sensitivities make it more di cult to give credit where it is due, especially to those who risk their lives every day to serve the Afghan people. A Role Model Promoting lives of dignity and prosperity for women and girls is a top priority for PRM in all of our interventions world- wide, but it is especially urgent in Afghanistan. Since 2002, we have provided health services with a focus on reproductive, maternal and children’s care; supported e orts to combat GBV; trained women in agricultural and animal husbandry tech- niques, marketing and business development; and supported literacy programs to help returnee families rebuild their lives. Between 2011 and 2012, a PRM NGO partner provided vocational training to 1,000 women and men; 75 percent of the graduated trainees found employment or apprenticeships, and 50 percent of the small enterprise groups were function- ing three months after the project’s completion. We expect this number to grow. Monitoring reports show PRM’s programs have signi cantly improved the role of women in decision- making at the household level and their awareness of eco- nomic possibilities outside the home. Ra qa continues to be a strong advocate in her commu- nity for women’s rights. She has referred several cases to one of PRM’s partner legal units, and has persuaded some men to allow their wives and daughters to attend basic literacy courses. She even persuaded a court to annul a marriage con- tract between a 15-year-old girl and a man 30 years her senior, which the girl’s family had drawn up when she was just 3 years old. Stories like Ra qa’s remind us that while PRM’s work in Afghanistan is challenging, even dangerous, it is making a real di erence in the lives of women and girls there. n