New Program, "Increasing Women's Political Participation and Dialogue Opportunities in Afghanistan," Aims to Increase Female Voter Turnout and Encourage Women to Run for Office in Afghanistan

The Afghan Independent Election Commission (IEC) and the Asia Foundation are sponsoring this promising new political program for women in Afghanistan, and the UK is funding it. This is fantastic news, but will it actually work? I hope so.

Asia Foundation and Independent Election Commission (IEC) Launch “Increasing Women’s Political Participation and Dialogue Opportunities in Afghanistan” - The Asia Foundation

Multi-Million Dollar Program Announced to Support Afghan Women's Political Participation - Feminist Majority Foundation

Multi-Million Dollar Program Announced to Support Afghan Women's Political Participation - Ms. Magazine

Surprisingly though, about 39% of the voters in the 2010 Afghan Parliamentary election were women, and women already hold 28% of the Parliamentary seats! These stats are better than America's! To wit: Women hold about 18% of Congressional seats and 20% of Senate seats in the U.S.

Facts on Women in Congress - Rutgers University

(Takeaway: Don't believe the hype.?)