The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai on Saturday congratulated Aisha Wahab on her election to the U.S. Congress, saying her victory demonstrates the potential of Afghan women and girls when they are given opportunities to participate in society.
Karzai expressed his satisfaction with Wahab’s victory and
wished her further success in her political career.
He described her win as the result of an “unequal
competition” and said it demonstrated the ability and competence of Afghan
women and girls to contribute to different areas of society.
Karzai also said that if Afghan women and girls are provided
with appropriate opportunities, either inside or outside Afghanistan, they can
play a constructive role in the development and progress of their communities
and country.
His comments come as the Taliban continues to impose
sweeping restrictions on women and girls in Afghanistan. Girls are barred from
attending school beyond sixth grade, while women face restrictions on
education, employment and participation in public life.
Wahab’s victory is also a milestone for the Afghan American
community. She previously became the first Muslim and Afghan American woman
elected to the California State Legislature.
Her election to Congress represents another historic achievement for an Afghan American woman and comes as millions of girls and women in Afghanistan remain excluded from education and many areas of public life.
