Ghazni women’s park offers freedom, opportunity

GHAZNI PROVINCE Ghazni Gov. Zada inaugurated the recently completed park for women during a ceremony, Dec. 31.

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The project, which includes a shopping center, garden fountain, benches and large grassy areas, was founded by the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Ghazni PRT. "The city’s other recreational area, Hakimi Park, is designed for both genders, but women feel uncomfortable attending the place," said Ayoubi Maruf, the governor’s spokesperson. “Women finally got their own space, where they can spend time reading or playing with children, but most of all where they can have their own small businesses,” said Shukria Wali, chief of the Dept for Women’s Affairs, to local journalists. The recently completed project, designed by the Dept of Women’s Affairs, is only one of many initiatives Ghazni PRT finished in 2010, including a seminar covering violence against women, that attracted some 150 people, including more than 50 local mullahs. Support is also provided through vocational education and training. “In my office, there are 8 women; they understand the best way to help local females,” said Polish Lt. Col. Kiszkowiak.

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