United Nations Development Programme The Development Advocate 1 May 2013 EmpoweredEmpowered lives. ResilientResilient nations.

afghanistan edition

Inside the micro hydroelectric power plant in Kata Qala village. (Joel van Houdt/UNDP)

Micro Hydroelectric Power Lighting up the homes and lives of thousands

By Mujib Mashal of micro hydroelectric power plants. that is powering 2,163 households, Borghaso, Bamyan Province — Afghanistan has one of the benefiting more than 15,000 people. welcome lowest per capita rates of electricity These plants are not only bringing Eleven-year-old Mohamed Nasim, consumption in the world. In 2007 tangible improvements to the lives who is in sixth grade, wakes up at only seven percent of the population of the people who now depend on 5:30 every morning to take computer had access to electricity, according to them for access to electricity, they lessons in a makeshift classroom here Government data. Since then, that are creating jobs for locals, improving in Borghaso village, Bamyan Province, figure has risen to about 30 percent, relationships with the Government northwest of Kabul. He draws a house thanks to an increase in imported of Afghanistan and providing in Microsoft Paint, colors it, and types electricity and the construction of environmentally-friendly, and thus his name in the corner as his young micro hydroelectric and solar panel sustainable, sources of energy. And teacher watches over his shoulders. stations. But imported electricity, in a country where many people The back of Mohamed’s hands are which provides more than half of depend on kerosene oil, wood and Mr. Ajay Chhibber meets H.E. Vice-President Mr. Khalili. (UNDP Afghanistan/Sayeed Farhad Zalmai) dried and cracked by the cold weather. the country’s power, does not reach cow dung for heat and lighting, they Outside, just in the distance, farmers Bamyan province. offer a clean and healthy alternative, Dear Readers, tend to their wheat, trying to bring in As a result, the United Nations eliminating indoor smoke. According It is with great pleasure that I introduce this edition of the Afghan the harvest in preparation for the harsh Development Programme (UNDP) to the World Health Organization, Development Advocate. Our mission with the Advocate is to provide winter ahead. The mountain peaks in has funded the construction of 18 every year nearly two million people you with a look at Afghanistan through an unusual point of view: that the distance already gleam with snow. micro hydroelectic power plants in around the world die prematurely of Afghan men and women who are spearheading positive change, Mohamed is one of 46 people— Bamyan province, with a budget of from illness attributable to indoor air confronting the odds and defying conventional wisdom. UNDP is privi- 28 children and 18 adults—benefiting US$997,000 generously provided pollution from household solid fuel use. leged to be part of that transformational process. from this computer class. The freshly in part by the Governments of Take the power plant in Borghaso. All the stories of our projects there, some bigger in scope than others, built room was donated by a local Denmark, Japan, The Netherlands, The local shura—a traditional assembly have at their core the common aspirations of a people yearning to make elder, but what makes such initiatives Norway and the European Union. of tribal elders and religious scholars— their country a better place. Their dreams and hopes dovetail with UNDP’s core values and mandate in the areas of poverty reduction; democratic possible here in Bamyan province, The plants are currently generating a took eight months to build it, at a total governance; crisis prevention and recovery; and environment and where there is no power grid, is the use cumulative 196 kilowatts of electricity cost of $62,064. continued on pAGE 2 sustainable development. It has become clear that the Afghan people are eager to learn and explore, and take on new challenges. Support from across the world—from governments, aid organizations and corpora- government turns New Environ- tions—has been vital in that effort. And it is making a difference, as we to Merit-based mental Councils demonstrate in the pages of the Afghan Development Advocate. recruitment Changing the Face So please do take the time to read their stories, and listen to what they of Development say. We hope you enjoy reading this special edition, and please feel free in Provincial to share any suggestions, feedback or ideas. communities Sincerely, L ocal Democracy PAGE 7 and Development Ajay Chhibber Go Hand-in-hand Assistant Secretary-General, Assistant Administrator of UNDP PAGE 4 PAGE 6 and Director of UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific

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f_UNDP_Afgh_Advocate_E-rev.indd 1 4/14/13 9:09 AM methods and broaden democratic continues to be a challenge. editorial participation in preparation for the In a country where 46 percent of upcoming 2014 presidential election, the population is 14 or under, youth building on lessons learned from past employment and participation in the elections. We are also strengthening economy, civil society and gover- governing bodies at the provincial nance is key. Influenced by mass MANAGING and municipal levels. upheavals led mainly by disaffected After more than 30 years of youth in the Middle East, UNDP real- conflict, Afghanistan continues to izes Afghan youth can just as easily THE TRANSITION face enormous development chal- and quickly engineer similar social lenges, many of them related to the turmoil. Trapped by their frustration advancement of women. The country and lack of opportunities, these youth cannot substantively improve its can also be targeted for recruitment IN AFGHANISTAN human development indices— by insurgent groups. Given such a By Rebeca Grynspan, Associate Administrator, UNDP among the world’s lowest—without scenario, UNDP has been under- significant progress in women’s rights. scoring the need for supporting the This is why UNDP will ensure a strong Government to develop strategies As the international forces prepare the months and years ahead, UNDP thanks to a UNDP-supported network emphasis on gender in all of its devel- targeting younger Afghans. With for their announced military draw- will work closely with the Ministry of of micro hydropower plants. opment programmes. For example, as UNDP support, the Ministry of Youth down date of 2014 in Afghanistan, Interior to streamline LOTFA’s opera- Based on these experiences and part of LOFTA, UNDP not only helped Affairs has started to engage private the United Nations system and other tional effectiveness and transparency responding to the country’s own to recruit and train 1,500 female sector partners to provide vocational global organizations working there so it continues to be seen as a bulwark stated needs, UNDP will increas- police officers, but also has started and professional training for poor can expect to play a stepped up role in against any possible challenge to the ingly focus on three key areas of a widespread media and outreach youth. In all, over the past few years working with the Afghan Government country’s stability and well-being. development: shoring up democratic campaign aimed at convincing the some 200,000 younger Afghans have to help manage the transition and Besides LOTFA, UNDP operates governance, including elections; population that Afghan women have either been enroled in professional beyond. After more than 50 years of development projects—alongside elevating the status of women; and a critical contribution in enhancing courses or received vocational and development work in Afghanistan, the Government and civil society improving employment opportuni- the security of their communities. other forms of training. the United Nations Development counterparts—across the country’s ties for young people. Even though much work remains UNDP believes that the future Programme (UNDP) has a special 34 provinces, with the aim of contrib- In terms of governance, UNDP to be done to achieve gender equality of Afghanistan, its development and critical task. Indeed, our country uting to a secure transition as national has contributed to rebuilding and in Afghanistan, women are taking and security, is in the hands of its programme there remains our largest and sub-national institutions take improving critical state institutions in an active part in decision-making at own proud people. Indeed, we look operation across all the countries we increasing responsibility for the coun- Afghanistan, including the Indepen- several levels. More than 27 percent forward to our own drawdown work in, and we are committed to try’s development agenda, manage- dent Election Commission and the of seats in the country’s Parliament date, when our large-scale pres- staying in Afghanistan for the long ment of its economy and governance Parliament. As the Independent Elec- are held by women, and an active ence is no longer needed. Until haul, with defined plans to work even of its citizens. For instance, since 2002, tion Commission steadily takes over civil society has developed in recent then, we will continue to work with more closely with the country and its with the Afghan Government, UNDP responsibility of the electoral process, years. Nevertheless, enabling women the Government and the people of people to build a stronger nation. has completed more than 2,300 rural UNDP is working to help the Commis- to affect political decisions, including Afghanistan to ensure a secure and Since 2001, an important area infrastructure projects benefiting sion to improve voter identification those related to peace negotiations, peaceful future for all. n of our engagement in Afghanistan over 14 million Afghans. These proj- has been our support to the Law ects have provided wages for approx- and Order Trust Fund (LOTFA), a imately 3.8 million working days T he Afghanistan country programme remains the largest UNDP programme within the Ministry of through a cash-for-work programme. the Interior. LOTFA has ensured that Our work also ensures almost 1.6 operation across all countries, and UNDP is committed to staying for Afghanistan, with all its security chal- million Afghans have access to safe the long haul, with defined plans to work even more closely with lenges and other operational risks, has drinking water, while nearly 132,000 had a police force that now numbers people in rural areas have power for the country and its people to build a stronger nation. almost 140,000 police officers. In lighting, education and agriculture

Published by CONTENTS United Nations Development Programme Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific Micro hydroelectric power: Lighting up editorial team 1 Nicholas Rosellini, Deodat Maharaj, the homes and lives Satinder Bindra, Pernille Mortensen, of thousands Trygve Olfarnes, Kumar M Tiku, Megan Cossey and Maureen Lynch

Editorial: Managing Articles may be freely reproduced 2 the transition in as long as credit is given. Afghanistan Design Bringing the police Suazion, Inc. closer to the people 3 Printing Consolidated Graphics Government turns Printed on recycled paper by means of 4 to merit-based environmentally-friendly technology. recruitment

Clerics use Islam 5 to protect women A girl taking a computer lesson in a makeshift classroom in and their rights Borghaso village, Bamyan province. (Joel van Houdt/UNDP)

Recruiting: Female EmpoweredEmpowered lives. they pay for themselves. In Borghaso, indoor pollution—people using the 5 police officers ResilientResilient nations. lighting up the the shura charges a monthly rate plants are also trying to figure out homes and lives of about 90 cents per light bulb for creative ways to make use of the Local democracy UNDP partners with people at all electricity and $1.70 per television electricity during the off hours of the levels of society to help build nations of thousands and development COVER STORY: CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 set. The tariff is collected by the shura day. The computer class in Borghoso 6 that can withstand crisis, and drive cashier. The two electricians manning is one example, although for now go hand-in-hand and sustain the kind of growth that About 160 families, or 1,120 people, the station—who were trained in the the hefty monthly fee of $10 per improves the quality of life benefit from the 12.7 kw of elec- provincial capital through a 15-day student in this poor village keeps for everyone. On the ground in tricity generated by the plant. Putting UNDP workshop—are paid a monthly enrolment low. New Environmental 177 countries and territories, the shuras in charge of the projects 7 Councils changing we offer global perspective and local salary by the shura, from the collected “These days the world is one the face of develop- insight to help empower lives and ensures local ownership, and is the tariff. The rest of the money from the of knowledge and technology,” ment in provincial build resilient nations. first step in guaranteeing that the tariffs is put in savings to be used if said Mohamed Hakim, head of the Afghanistan plants will actually be useful and thus the power plant malfunctions at any Borghaso shura; his daughter, a One United Nations Plaza maintained by the communities who point in the future. second grader, attends the computer New York, NY 10017, USA build them. While electricity is now providing class. “Yes, the fee is a bit much— The shuras not only oversee and a cheap substitute to oil lamps and but parents are willing to pay for it, Afghanistan www.undp.org by the numbers coordinate the construction, but smoky woodstoves in the evenings— because if not equipped with these 8 Facebook.com/undp they also put in place a tariff system reducing household lighting costs skills, our kids won’t make it in the Twitter.com/undp after the plants open, ensuring that by almost 90 percent in addition to work force.” continued on pAGE 3

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f_UNDP_Afgh_Advocate_E-rev.indd 2 4/14/13 9:09 AM lighting up the homes and lives of thousands COVER STORY: CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 In Sia-Khak district, about a 20- minute drive from Borghaso, the local shura decided to build a flour mill attached to its micro hydroelec- tric power plant. The flour mill is able to grind 1,100 kilos of wheat a day. The mill charges one kilo of wheat for every 10 kilos that it grinds. In Kata Qala village of Yakawlang district, about a 1.5 hour drive from Bamyan province’s capital city, the shura also decided to create a daytime computer course that would use electricity produced by their hydroelectric plant. About 30 students learn basic computer literacy in two different shifts, and pay a monthly fee of $5. The Kata Qala power plant was built in 2010, and the shura has saved about $2,000 from tariffs after paying the electricians’ salaries. At one of Kata Qala’s ’s regular Colonel Noor Agha Ibrahimkhail, Farza District Police Chief, meets meetings, Nabi Muzzafari, UNDP’s with local village heads and religious on-the-ground partner from leaders in Farza, Kabul Province. the Afghan Ministry of Rural (Photo: UNDP/Sayeed Farhad Zalmai) Rehabilitation and Development, urged the launch of a number of projects he believes will bring tangible and positive change to the local economy. Bringing the Police “You should save a small amount of the money in case the power plant malfunctions, but with the rest why don’t you start an English language class or hire a teacher to Closer to the People provide basic literacy for adults?” he says. “Or even better, why don’t you install two carpet-weaving stations … If you can teach 10 By Kumar M Tiku the local police to community cooperation of young community head, Haji Mohammad Hanif. “We people how to weave carpets, you Farza, Kabul Province—Colonel leaders, including elected members members, the mines were identi- make sure that crimes against women would have done wonders to their Noor Aqa Ibrahimkhail, the district of community development councils fied and defused before exploding. are dealt with firmly.” financial situation.” Chief of Police for Farza, located 45 and district development assemblies, The police chief credits the close ties While the community elders kilometres north of Kabul, is a veteran religious leaders, and the local shura, between the police and communities and Ulemas (religious leaders) have officer who has experienced many a traditional assembly of tribal elders with these small but significant gains assisted the Government in dealing brushes with violence and unrest and religious scholars. in maintaining security in the district. with petty crime and securing prog- E lectricity is throughout his career. But compared Haji Mohammad Hanif, the Malik— “The good thing about our ress in development, there is a need now providing to all of his previous postings, he or head—of Qalai Salim Khan village community-police solidarity in Farza to equip the police with proper says, Farza is a haven of peace and in Farza, says that thanks to the Police- is that we all know each other,” says weapons and training so that external a cheap substitute tranquility. e-Mardumi (community outreach) Dr. Bahloul, a respected community threats to peace efforts in the district to oil lamps and “The main difference here is that initiative and regular meetings with elder who goes by one name. He can be dealt with more effectively, smoky woodstoves the citizens listen to their elders. The Colonel Ibrahimkhail, security has says women’s issues are regularly explains Haji Mohammad Hanif. messages we convey to the elders are improved significantly in Farza. This discussed in district-level meetings. Citizens claim that stealing and in the evenings— easily accepted by the whole commu- has helped speed up construction of “We have shura (traditional) robbery occur less frequently. nity. This is amazing—I have not seen basic infrastructure across the district, councils at the village level that “What keeps us busy is issues reducing household related to family disputes. Most of it anywhere else,” he says. such as roads, schools and health have women’s representation. The council representatives in the these have to do with economic lighting costs by In September 2009, the Govern- centres across the district. district committee direct the atten- distress and joblessness. If we had ment of Afghanistan, supported “Our weekly meetings with the almost 90 percent tion of district officials to issues raised more opportunities for work for our by the United Nations Develop- district governor and the police chief by women,” he explains. youth, they would never be recruited in addition to ment Programme (UNDP), started have provided a forum to report on The community elders agree that by the insurgents. This could only reaching out to communities in eight threats, analyse insurgent activity and indoor pollution. the police have improved security enhance our security,” Haji Hanif says. northern districts in Kabul province to find common solutions,” he explains. for girls in schools, clinics and other The Government of Afghanistan strengthen ties between police offi- “We will not allow insurgents to government institutions. There is favoring this new approach to cers and regular citizens. The districts infiltrate into our villages as they are are four high schools for girls, five policing. At a recent meeting with In the dynamic discussion, of Kabul city, Mirbachakot, Kalakaan, a threat to our lives as well as to our middle-level and six junior-level foreign embassy officials in Kabul, as members of the shura and Guldara, Deh Sabz, Qarabagh, Shakar infrastructure.” schools serving Farza’s population Minister of Interior Ghulam Mujtaba Muzzafari weigh the benefits of Dara and Istalif were the first to Raz Mohammad, a local shop- of 61,000 people. At a local health Patang called for a move towards different projects they can imple- benefit from the outreach. The Police- keeper, agrees with his village head, centre, women even work the a civilian police force that includes ment from the saved money, a e-Mardumi, or community-policing Haji Mohammad Hanif. night shifts. unarmed officers, a move that would clear picture emerges: the micro initiative, forms part of Afghanistan’s “Unlike other parts of the country, “This district has a tradition of help “decrease the distance between hydroelectric power plants are not most recent national police strategy, we have never had to shut down our respect for women,” says the village the population and the police.”n only lighting the houses of these and is supported by Switzerland and businesses because of incidents of poor villagers at night, but they are the United States. crime or violence,” Mohammad says. also playing an instrumental role Indeed, in the overall backdrop of “Not in the last year, at least. The in developing the local economy general public distrust and limited credit must go to the role played by “ Our weekly meetings with of some of Afghanistan’s poorest engagement between the police our community elders and the local communities. n and public, the Farza model of police who work together to make the district governor and the police community-policing is showing the peace an everyday reality in Farza.” chief have provided a forum to report way in rebuilding the image of the The main security challenge for police as protectors with a human Farza comes from its geographical on threats, analyse insurgent activity face. The scope to strengthen rule of location. The district is surrounded by and find common solutions.W e will not law in Afghanistan is immense, with mountains and with scattered troop the project already at work in Kabul, deployment it is easy for the Taliban allow insurgents to infiltrate into our Herat and Jalalabad and plans to to occupy one of the hilltops nearby villages as they are a threat to our lives expand throughout 60 districts and and mount attacks on the district. 15 provinces. Indeed, the Taliban maintains a huge as well as to our infrastructure.”– Abdul Hamid, an electrician, works at Both the police and public require presence in a conflict-ridden district Haji Mohammad Hanif, Malik of the micro hydroelec- extensive training to embrace the west of Farza. tric power plant in concept of community-oriented Over the last five months, Taliban Qalai Salim Khan village Borghaso. (Joel van Houdt/UNDP) policing. The process of building fighters have planted mines in public trust started by introducing inhabited areas, but thanks to the

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f_UNDP_Afgh_Advocate_E-rev.indd 3 4/14/13 9:09 AM Government turns to

mUNDP supportederit- the establishment of the first femaleb Provincialased Council recruitment members network in the Northern region of Afghanistan. (UNDP Afghanistan)

By Duncan Keith Wilson gave up on the future,” she says. stand a chance of being selected. the critical link between the central The UNDP merit-based recruit- Kabul—Sayra Shakib Sadat was a Yet in January 2013, at an oath- The merit-based process “is impor- government and the citizens. They ment project supports local gover- young female school student from an taking ceremony in Kabul, Shakib tant for a better future for governance need to first understand the prob- nance and public administration illiterate family, living in an isolated became Afghanistan’s sole female and Afghanistan,” she says. “It will lems of the citizens in their area and reform, empowering provincial and village in northern Afghanistan, when District Governor, among 61 new bring great hope for the people of then work toward solutions.” district offices to effectively fulfill fighting broke out among political District Governors and 15 Deputy Afghanistan because more educated As District Governor, Shakib coor- their roles, and to improve admin- leaders and the mujahedin in the Provincial Governors appointed early 1980s. through a merit-based recruitment The fighters ran a brutal racket of process. extortion and violence, and govern- They all swore to promote good “It’s important for me to know the matters of the people, ment health and education services governance and effective service and their expectations from government. We need to enhance rarely reached her village of Zargar- delivery, uphold Islam and observe khana, or other contested parts in the Afghanistan’s Constitution and laws. awareness of local governance among family members and country’s northern provinces. More than 50 percent of the community. Not listening to the people is a big problem of Twenty years later, as a teacher in Afghanistan’s 373 District Governors the same province of Jawzjan, Shakib and nearly all 34 Deputy Provincial local governance.” – Sayra Shakib Sadat, Afghanistan’s encountered similar repression, this Governors are now recruited through only female District Governor time under Taliban rule. a transparent and competitive “I went through a very difficult process lead by the Government of time,” remembers Shakib, who is now Afghanistan and supported by UNDP. 50. “Since I was a student I had a huge This is a significant change, and professional people will join dinates and oversees the activities of istrative and performance manage- interest in government. I was always compared to five years ago, when the posts.” line departments such as health and ment systems. Once in office, District wishing that people working in their all District and Deputy Provincial The new recruitment process is education, security and justice in her Governors’ challenges can include a posts did their job with honesty Governors were appointed, often on run by Afghanistan’s Civil Service district of Khuwaja Do Koh, in Jawzjan lack of resources, insecurity and— and served the community and the the basis of political affiliation. Commission. It publicly advertises Province. In a sparsely furnished for Shakib—personal criticism and people.” If that system still existed, Shakib vacancies nationwide, with job government office in Khuwaja Do harassment. “But my experience of govern- says, candidates like her, raised in qualifications that specify minimal Koh, Shakib meets with a long “One of the challenges is compe- ment was shaped by fighting, and I isolation and poverty, would never educational and professional require- procession of line department heads tition from men in the district, ments, and offering salaries in align- and community leaders. due to community ignorance that ment with Afghanistan’s civil service “It’s important for me to know says women cannot be represen- salary scale. The Commission works the matters of the people, and their tatives in the districts,” she says. with the Independent Directorate expectations from government,” she “But the day I decided to serve the of Local Governance, and their joint says. “We need to enhance aware- realm of people and government I committee administers a written ness of local governance among realized there would be challenges exam on management and admin- family members and the community. from many sides and I decided to istration, and interviews successful Not listening to the people is a big stake out my goals. I have many chal- candidates. problem of local governance.” lenges, and I attempt to overcome Renaud Meyer, Deputy Country At the UNDP-supported oath these challenges.” Director of UNDP Afghanistan, says taking ceremony, the Director General For Shakib, the newly appointed that such merit-based appoint- of the Directorate, Abdul Khaliq District Governor of Khuwaja Do ments are pivotal to the promotion Farahi, called merit-based recruit- Koh, this understanding and focus of good governance, particularly in ment “a great event in the subna- on solutions is fundamental to the context of the upcoming political tional governance of Afghanistan.” good governance. transition in 2014 and beyond. “Appointments are no longer The work is challenging, but she “The Afghan State is at a critical based on tribe, race, gender or perseveres. Her name, Shakib says, juncture of nation building amidst privilege, and District and Deputy means patience. And her favorite S ayra Shakib Sadat, District Governor of Khwaja Koh Dokoh, is the ongoing conflict,” Meyer says. “In Provincial Governors can perform poem, in Dari, reminds her that with Afghanistan’s sole female district governor. She was appointed through a merit-based recruitment process supported by UNDP. (UNDP Afghanistan) such a situation, government officials their jobs with full transparency and patience, “a stone will become a at the subnational level need to be accountability,” he says. precious ruby.” n

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f_UNDP_Afgh_Advocate_E-rev.indd 4 4/14/13 9:09 AM clerics use Islam to protect women and their rights

By Sayed Barez, United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan Kabul—The Government of Afghanistan is tapping mullahs and ulemas (Islamic scholars and clerics) as well as other religious and community leaders to make people aware of the rights of women in accordance with Islamic Law, through a programme supported by UNDP. The national programme, which is being implemented by the Ministry of Haj and Religious Affairs and the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, requires mullahs and other Islamic and community leaders to raise awareness about the conse- Lieutenant Colonel Latif Bayat and quences of early marriage, forced marriage and gender-based violence. Captain Zohra Mullahs, ulemas and community leaders participating in the programme— Daulatzia discuss supported by Italy and the United Kingdom—have begun to speak out about their experiences violence against women during Friday sermons in mosques. as police officers. (UNDP Afghanistan) Their listeners, all men, are told about the negative implications of such actions as laid out by Islamic texts. The hope is that by involving men from the outset as agents of change, society’s views toward the status of women will begin to shift. “In Afghanistan, when people are given instructions based on their reli- gious values, they will easily listen and accept them,” said Mawalwi Abdul Hanan, a participant. “We believe that by involving religious leaders such programmes will reduce domestic violence.” recruiting: Female Participants also discuss inheritance issues, including a comparison between what Islamic Law says about a woman’s right to inheritance and what happens in practice. Afghanistan’s population consists mainly of traditional communities who Police Officers strictly adhere to their local cultures and customs. As a result, people often have a deep-seated trust for their religious scholars and mullahs, who are BY Titus Moetsabi Drugs and Crime and, in collabora- that women police officers are weak,” respected as the custodians of their society’s values. Kabul—It was four years ago that tion with the European Union’s Police she says. “This ignorance about the “This kind of training is very essential for people like us who work in govern- Captain Zohra Daulatzia joined the Mission in Afghanistan, female offi- power and knowledge of women is ment positions and deal with people’s cases,” said Abdul Wasa Antazar, deputy Afghan National Police. But the mother cers who handle domestic violence something we are trying to change district head of Rodad district in Nangarhar province. “We have learned a lot of two girls aged 10 and 8 years still cases are taking a course in crime every day.” of things about women’s rights and violence against women in this training, gets excited about that momentous scene analysis. In a 2011 UNDP-sponsored police UNDP’s Law and Order Trust Fund which we will use in our daily work now.” day in her life when she achieved one perception survey, the contributions and the Ministry of Interior estab- of female police officers were posi- Antzar, his 25 colleagues and a group of village elders participated in a of her greatest life’s ambitions. lished 33 ‘family response units’ across tively noted, particularly in terms of 10-day training course on women’s rights. “I was excited to wear the uniform the country. As part of this expansion, family issues and domestic violence. The programme started in the northern Balkh province in late 2009. and felt like I was in the sky and not additional women police officers who According to the survey, 53 percent of Two hundred fifty mullahs from five districts took part in a series of train- on earth. I was full of joy,” she says. will staff these units are Afghans said they were ings, knowledge-building and participatory discussions on women’s rights Captain Daulatzia’s experience being trained in infor- in favor of having female according to Islam. Today, the programme has reached over 3,900 community as a woman and a police officer is mation technology, police officers in their and religious leaders in six provinces. still a very rare one in Afghanistan. basic crime scene inves- community. By August Faridullah, 35, has noticed the new messages about women’s rights at his Half the population in Afghanistan tigation, forensic aware- “I was 2012 there were a total mosque in Jalalabad since his mullah participated in the workshops. consists of women, but only one ness, exhibits handling, of 1,445 female police “For me, personally, I did not know that much about women rights, but percent of the Afghan National Police excited to wear since our mullah started to talk about them I have learned a lot and now I interviewing witnesses, officers spread across are female officers. In order for the always try to attend his speeches on a regular basis,” Faridullah says. “If such victims and suspects, the uniform various ranks in the national police force to deliver quality speeches by mullahs continue in the future I am sure violence against women taking statements and national police force, an services to the entire population, the and felt like will significantly decrease in Afghan communities.” compiling crime dockets. increase of 1,000 since Ministry of Interior aims to increase UNDP is working with the Government of Afghanistan to address women’s Female police officers I was in the 2007 when the recruit- this number. needs, a crucial element for the country’s development. Recently, the who have participated ment programme “There are always big chal- sky and not Government committed to fast-tracking the increase of women’s participa- in these specialized began. Their numbers lenges in male-dominated societies,” tion in civil service at all levels to 30 percent by 2013. n training courses say that, on earth. include three brigadier explains Lieutenant Colonel Latifa as a result, they have generals, 35 lieutenants Bayat, Deputy Director in the Ministry I was full been able to improve and 584 sergeants. of Interior’s Gender Unit, a woman their day-to-day deci- of joy.” – This is a far cry from who joined the force 15 years ago. sion-making abilities, Captain Zohra the 5,000 women that “Our customs do not allow women their knowledge of poli- the programme hopes to work in the police force. Women, cies and practices and Daulatzia to recruit by June 2014. have no access to education … hence their overall confidence However, the Law and they end up having low capacity, on the job. Order Trust Fund and even in terms of getting jobs in the Serious challenges the Ministry of Interior police force.” remain, however, making the recruit- have agreed to fast track recruitment UNDP, through its Law and Order ment of women police officers a while simultaneously addressing the Trust Fund for Afghanistan—with formidable task, one that requires challenges of recruiting women to support from its development more effective hiring campaigns as the force. UNDP supports workshops partners—is working closely with well as changes in attitudes both “There is a need for a monitoring on gender-based violence for the Ministry of Interior, where the within the police force and within the mechanism to ensure that posts Afghanistan’s religious leaders. Fund is based, to make this happen. communities they serve. earmarked for women do not end up (UNDP Afghanistan) Beginning in 2010, the Fund and the “The Afghan National Police being filled by men,” warns Captain Ministry established a system for around the country faces a big Daulatzia. the national police force to begin problem with their security in Women working on the national recruiting women police officers. general,” says Marina Hamidzada, police now have a forum for matters UNDP and the Ministry also initiated a gender specialist who works for related to their welfare and profes- a series of multimedia campaigns the Law and Order Trust Fund. “For sion in the Afghan National Police on radio and television encouraging women police officers, the situation Women’s Association, which was women to apply for police jobs, and is worse. They cannot even patrol the established with the help of the Law it set up a telephone information streets wearing police uniforms,” as it and Order Trust Fund and the Ministry hotline and sent police representa- can—and has—proven to be a death of Interior. tives out to recruit girls right out of sentence for them. Both Lieutenant Colonel Bayat, secondary school. The biggest challenge women who has been in the police force for In addition, the UNDP project is police officers face is how they are 15 years, and Captain Daulatzia, who providing specialized three month- viewed by their fellow officers says is now in her third year of law school long training courses in leadership, Captain Daulatzia, who has bene- at a private university she attends management, accounting and infor- fited from some of the programme’s in the evenings after work, say that mation technology for women police training courses. through the Afghan National Police officers at the rank of lieutenant “Although they are powerful as Women’s Association they met other colonel and above. All police officers women, and they can run depart- strong women police officers who are now receiving training in the new ments by themselves, there is a were just as capable as their male code of conduct by the UN Office for strong perception in the police force counterparts. n

afghanistan edition The Development Advocate 5

f_UNDP_Afgh_Advocate_E-rev.indd 5 4/14/13 9:09 AM L ocal Democracy and Development

Go Hand-in-hand Mohammad Malang Miskinyaar, chairperson of the District Development Assembly in Mahmud-i-Raqi. (Joel van Houdt/UNDP)

By Kumar M Tiku governance programme has estab- the District Development Assembly Development Assembly’s success in many of the plans that its Assembly Mahmud-i-Raqi, Kapisa Province— lished District Information Centres system goes in accordance with the building of a 150-metre irrigation has rolled out in its district develop- Mushtari, a 42-year-old high school to collect and provide reliable and the law. Equally important, the canal that has not only put a stop to ment plan. Before the creation of the Assemblies include elected female graduate and secretary of the District much needed data on development recurring fights over water distribu- District Development Assemblies, representatives, resulting in the real Development Assembly of Mahmud- and the social and economic aspects tion among villagers but has resulted there were very few rural devel- concerns and voices of women being i-Raqi district, some 80 kilometres of their respective districts. in an increase in their crop yields. For opment projects underway in openly expressed and addressed by north of Kabul, is presenting to In contrast to the traditional example, Mohiuddin’s vineyards are Afghanistan and those that existed the Assemblies. fellow Assembly members a project jirgas and other forms of village- now producing 80 percent of their were poorly implemented. Miskinyaar A resident of Deh Baba Ali village to build a primary school for girls. level governing groups, Assembly full potential yield, compared to 50 cites the example of a failed energy in Mahmud-i-Raqi district, Mushtari Having just completed a six-day members are elected by the people percent the previous year. project based on diesel generators has risen from being a member of workshop on project design, moni- they serve and are mainly tasked “The canal has been a boon,” that were too expensive to maintain. her district’s Development Assembly toring and financial management, with improving the quality, transpar- he says. “Now if the District Development to the role of secretary since the Mushtari speaks assuredly on the ency and ongoing sustainability of Back in Mahmud-i-Raqi district, Assembly was to put its mind to an Assembly was first established project goals, a security assessment rural development projects. As part District Development Assembly energy project, we would propose a three years earlier. A mother of six, of the village where the proposed of the initiative, most of the new members are proud of the capacity micro hydroelectric project that stands she volunteers for three hours a day school would be built and an overall Assemblies and their members have they have built for themselves over a better test of sustainability,” says to do the Assembly’s work. She is work plan for the project. received training in local governance, the last three years in proposal Waris, the Assembly’s deputy chair. especially keen on meeting women conflict resolution, the importance writing, project design, moni- The Assemblies’ success in Though covered and invisible from the district’s villages individu- of gender equality and the nuts and toring, procurement and financial Afghanistan has spurred progress behind the burqa, the traditional ally and in groups, listening to their bolts of making development proj- management. in developing a unified policy for veil that many Muslim women wear, issues and bringing them to the ects happen, from fundraising and coherent, decentralized district- Mushtari’s voice is loud and clear. She Assembly meetings. procurement to monitoring and level development. Going forward, is actually participating in a UNDP- Mushtari says that poverty among Soaring expectations implementation. supported mock training exercise, women in the district is widespread, Looking forward, however, Miskinyaar, a recent Presidential Decree has meant to conclude the training and she believes the Assembly has the Assembly’s chair, worries that tasked UNDP’s partner ministry, programme, but the Assembly Reconciling Families been key in bringing forward projects members do not yet draw a salary, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Rural members are real and they listen to “In the absence of a functional that benefit women in particular. and that they still lack regular funding Rehabilitation and Development, her with attention and respect. court system, locals prefer us over “Our District Development to run Assembly affairs. with unifying a number of the District Since 2006, almost every district the courts when it comes to arbi- Assembly has already done a good “With expectations soaring, we Development Assemblies with of Afghanistan—388 out of a total trating reconciliation among families job of implementing income-gener- often find ourselves spending long other existing shuras into District of 402—has appointed and and neighbours,” says Mohammad ation projects for women such as hours addressing issues that the Coordination Councils. UNDP and supported a District Development Malang Miskinyaar, 50, chairperson bee-keeping, tomato processing and locals bring to us,” says one member. the Ministry are playing a leading Assembly, thanks to UNDP support to of the Mahmud-i-Raqi Assembly for baking,” Mushtari says. “Even though a small grant of US$170 role in preparing regulations for the a nationwide programme focused on which Mushtari acts as secretary. In Sufian village, part of Mir Bacha a month is provided, it is hardly establishment of these new Councils, creating legitimate and accountable He also says that while the jirgas Kot district on the outskirts of Kabul enough to meet our daily needs.” which will be ultimately responsible local governing bodies. Additionally, sometimes made decisions that went province, vineyard owner Ghulam Meanwhile, the district itself is for coordinating development and in over 120 of these districts, the against modern Afghanistan law, Mohiuddin praises his District crying out for resources to match governance at the district level. n

A woman works in a tomato processing factory about 80 miles north of Kabul. The local District Development Agency set up the factory as part of a jobs project for women. (Joel van Houdt/UNDP)

Abdul Waris, the Deputy Chair of the Mahmud-i-Raqi District Development Assembly, speaks at a meeting. (Joel van Houdt/UNDP)

6 The Development Advocate afghanistan edition

f_UNDP_Afgh_Advocate_E-rev.indd 6 4/14/13 9:09 AM tree-cutting drive in order to open clear access for their soldiers. It was as if overnight our villages were stripped New Environmental Councils and exposed.” But three years ago, Haji Mohammad Khalid, head of neigh- Changing the Face of Development bouring Golgondy district’s Associa- tion of Skilled Laborers and a member of Parwan’s Environment Advisory Council, led a drive that helped plant in Provincial communities more than 8,000 pine trees. “The saplings were planted three years ago and are still being looked after by the volunteers, and as a result nearly all the saplings have survived,” he says. Mullah Abdul Wasih Safi, who heads the Ministry of Islamic and Religious Affairs in Parwan, describes the environment as a major respon- sibility of the Ulema. In fact, he says verses of the Holy Koran deal with the significance of protecting the environment and promoting public hygiene. “I take it as my main religious duty to invite my Muslim brethren to volunteer their services in every way possible for the protection of our fragile environment,” he says. Meanwhile, Parwan’s Provincial Environment Advisory Council has convinced local business to stop burning rubber tires and plastic, a major cause of respiratory illnesses. Nine-year-old Shabana and her brother draw water for their family from Char-i-Kar’s only water source, the Bakeries and hamams—public Joe-e-Projey canal. (Sayeed Farhad Zalmai/UNDP) bathing places—were particularly notorious for such practices. Based on the Council’s advice, the provin- By Kumar M Tiku Millennium Development Goals The environmental actions go well “The Kabul-to-Parwan road in my cial government took tough action Char-i-Kar, Parwan Province— Achievement Fund. The Councils beyond cleaning up the canal. The childhood was full of shade, with tall taken against some establishments, including the closing of the largest Standing at the edge of Joe-e- are legally mandated by the central community itself is participating in a imposing poplar trees lining the road large-scale effort to green the region. on both sides,” says Kefayatullah, a hamam in Char-i-Kar. As a result, most Projey canal in the northern town of Government and meet twice a year. Residents tell of a Parwan once lush 35-year-old resident. “The Russians businesses have started to use lique- Char-i-Kar, Mohammad Tahir, a car The 30-member Councils include mayors, heads of local government with greenery and full of trees. came and launched a massive fied natural gas as fuel. n mechanic, rues the fate of children departments, community elders, the who drink water from the local canal. religious Ulema—made up of senior “This canal has snuffed out many, clerics and religious scholars—and many young lives. It is a bed of representatives from women and dirt and disease,” he says sadly, with T oday, 22 of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces have youth civil society organizations. moist eyes. The Councils are specifically Provincial Environment Advisory Councils, thanks to a nation- The 70-year-old patriarch of a charged with both advisory and large family of eight children and a wide environmental management initiative supported by UNDP advocacy roles, helping to mold gaggle of grandchildren is echoing provincial-level environmental policy in partnership with the Food and Agricultural Organization and what local residents have known for and procedures. Development and years. The canal water is dangerous, the UN Environment Programme, and with financial backing infrastructure projects across Afghan- sometimes deadly, to human life istan are increasingly being made to from the Millennium Development Goals Achievement Fund. and health. go through basic environmental and For an estimated 10,000 families public assessments by the Govern- in Char-i-Kar the Joe-e-Projey canal ment, a task that the Councils are on the Panjshir River in Parwan prov- taking on. ince is the only source of drinking Mohammad Mahfouz Kohistani, water. Unsustainable economic the provincial director for Parwan’s growth and the lack of sewage National Environment Protection systems have caused the once pris- Agency, which convenes the tine canal to drain and become Environment Advisory Council, says clogged by garbage. Change is his agency, along with the Council, is on the way, however, with a new closely monitoring the development environmental agency planning to of a new urban settlement on the clean up the canal and to combat a outskirts of Char-i-Kar called Ahmed host of other environmental prob- Shah Massoud City, named after a lems in Parwan. legendary Tajik fighter. Habib Rahman, 36, is a money Kohistani says Massoud City is changer and a father of five children. being designed according to strin- “We are caught in a quagmire of gent environmental standards. For disease, death and poverty,” he says. example, proper care is being taken “This canal has snuffed out many, many young lives. It is “When we take our children to the to provide drainage and sewage lines. a bed of dirt and disease,” says Mohammad Tahir, 70, a doctor, the water from the canal is “We wish the residents of the new city resident of Char-i-Kar. (Sayeed Farhad Zalmai/UNDP) the culprit. Not many can afford never again pay the heavy price for medical treatment so often we let chronic neglect of the environment,” our children die.” he says. But the newly formed Provincial The active involvement of the new Environment Advisory Council in provincial councils in the develop- A volunteer checks on one of 8,000 pine Parwan, some 60 kilometres north of ment process in Parwan has led to trees planted in Kabul, is aiming to make a difference. growing awareness among state and Char-i-Kar. (Sayeed The Council is in discussions with community officials of the environ- Farhad Zalmai/UNDP) local government officials to clean up mental threats facing the province. the canal. Abdul Wasih Azizi, the provincial Today, 22 of Afghanistan’s 34 head of the Ministry of Rural Reha- provinces have these Provincial bilitation and Development claims Environment Advisory Councils, environmental issues are strongly thanks to a nationwide environmental reflected in each of the 826 Commu- management initiative supported by nity Development Council Plans at UNDP in partnership with the Food the village level. His ministry has and Agricultural Organization and directed all the Councils and District the UN Environment Programme, Development Assemblies to enforce and with financial backing from the strict environmental standards.

afghanistan edition The Development Advocate 7

f_UNDP_Afgh_Advocate_E-rev.indd 7 4/14/13 9:09 AM Afghanistan by the Numbers

BADAKHSHAN JAWZJAN KUNDUZ BAL KH TAKHAR UNDP-supported SAMANGAN Projects FARYAB BAGHLAN SARI PUL Poverty Reduction and  PANJSHER NURISTAN Sustainable Livelihoods BADGHIS KAPISA KUNAR BAMYAN PARWAN Democratic Governance

Kabul LAGHMAN KABUL Crisis Prevention and HIRAT WARDAK NANGARHAR Recovery GHOR LOGAR DAY Environment and KUNDI PAKTYA Sustainable Development GHAZNI KHOST

URUZGAN FARAH PAKTIKA ZABUL

HILMAND KANDAHAR NIMROZ 106 micro hydropower plants completed 1,557 43,000 4 million female police students enrolled in a voters cast their ballots officers recruited with human rights-based in 2010 Parliamentary UNDP support curriculum Elections

1,682 1,405 km Ministry of Interior offi- of roads constructed 4.9 million cials trained in financial with UNDP assistance, paid workdays through management, account- connecting 4,228 UNDP’s cash-for-work ing, human resources, villages to district programme administration, centres and markets up-to-date 17,023 payroll Images (this page, left to right): Farzana Wahidy/ families now with and funds UNDP; Farzana Wahidy/UNDP; Joel van Houdt/UNDP; Farzana Wahidy/UNDP; Marie Frechon/UNDP access to electricity transfer technologies.

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