Afghanistan: Woman named to leadership post

Off Our Backs, Jan/Feb 2002 by Elliot, Farar, Douglas, Carol Anne, Kulla, Bridget, Maclay, Amanda, Et al

Dr. Sima Samar, an Afghan medical doctor, was recently named deputy vice chair and head of the ministry of women's affairs in the interim Afghanistan government. Samar is one of two women named to leadership posts in Afghanistan's new government.

Samar is founder of the Shuhada Organization, which operates 45 schools in central Afghanistan, servicing 20,000 students. She has received many awards, including the John Humphrey Freedom Award from the International Center for Human Rights and Democratic Development for her work on behalf of women and girls.

Samar is committed to improving the status of women in Afghanistan. She said, "Whatever government structure is in place, women's rights must be restored."

-info from Feminist Majority Foundation