Following on from my previous blog “A Generational Change Plays Out as Women in Helmand Register to Vote in Local Elections” I am delighted to report the success of the 15 June Municipal Advisory Board (MAB) election.
525 women voted representing the largest turn out of female voters in a local election in Helmand. 4 seats were reserved for women and 5 female candidates stood. The 4 selected will have their say on a wide range of local issues including education, security, and job creation.
The gradual empowerment of women in Lashkar Gah is one of the clearest signs of the progress made in the province. With nearly 30,000 girls in school, up from zero in 2007, and 2 female representatives from Helmand sitting in the national Parliament this progress has become a part of Helmand life and will be difficult to roll back.