Security questions continue to plague the young government of Afghanistan and much remains to be done with regard to building a viable, domestic security infrastructure. The lack of coordination among international donors and the absence of a functioning judiciary system contribute to security concerns.
Factors that Threaten Security in Afghanistan
- Increased violence and instability - Approximately 4,000 deaths (militants, security personnel, and civilians)-four times that of the previous year-were reported in 2006.
- Lingering corruption - Limited accountability and oversight concerning the Afghan police, the Afghan National Army, and other government institutions is a concern.
- Lack of political will - Afghanis and internationals alike still need to demonstrate the political will to undertake deep-rooted institutional changes.
- Lack of coordination - The Afghan government still lacks the capabilities (human and otherwise) necessary to coordinate the many projects it is undertaking and coordinating its various funding streams.
- Lack of funding and inadequate distribution of allocated funds - Donor pledges are not all being met on time, and when they do come in, there is often disagreement over their allocation.
- An unstable country among potentially volatile neighbors - Afghanistan is in close proximity to Pakistan and Iran.
Gender and Security
Women have slowly been integrated into Afghanistan's security infrastructure. As of January 25, 2008, 240 women were working as police offers with the Afghan National Police. According to research compiled by the RAND Corporation, the early inclusion of women in the post-conflict nation building process brings more security, not less. Afghani women have concerns that go beyond the security threats: the maternal mortality rate in the country is dangerously high, life expectancy lingers at around 44 years, a staggering 80 percent of the female population is illiterate, and only 35 percent of school-age girls are in school.
The Continuing Response
While improving the public perception and acceptance of women in the security sector in Afghanistan is important, even more important is that Afghanistan moves beyond tokenism to the integration of women as full members and stakeholders in the fight for a secure and prosperous nation. Women belong not only in the Ministry of Women's Affairs but should be integral in all ministries and at the regional and local level as well. Their input is necessary and needed. Afghanistan's security issues must be faced, but policies must also be framed that keep long-term institution building-and the rights of women-in mind if the Afghan state is truly to be strengthened.
All facts taken from Women and Security in Afghanistan: Threats, Challenges, and the Continuing Response, a publication by the Independent Women's Forum, available at iwf.org
