KABUL, Afghanistan – Much like the United States in the mid-20th Century, Afghanistan is experiencing changes in the rights afforded to women. Afghan women can now hold jobs previously unavailable to them, such as serving in a position of authority as an officer in the Afghan National Army.
A group of eight U.S. Army women mentors and 29 Afghan female officer candidates are ushering in that change.
In a joint effort between NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan and the Afghan Ministry of Defense, the ANA Female Officers Candidate School opened its doors in April. Over the past 20 weeks, 29 Afghan women – mostly housewives – have made history. The first class of female officers will graduate Sept. 23 with the candidates serving as finance and logistics officers.
“These women are true pioneers for Afghanistan,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Abbigail San Soucie, FOCS advisor. “I am humbled that I was asked to be a part of this and how these women came forward in this war-torn country.”
Afghan women serving in the military is still highly contentious, according to the FOCS advisors.
“I think it is [a difficult decision for the women] depending on how their families feel. There are still many people who don’t agree with it,” San Soucie said.
French Army Lt. Col. Christian Dugast, FOCS senior mentor and Officer Training Brigade commander, said the road to an unbiased Afghan military is a long one because of societal constraints placed on women in Afghan culture, but it is still a road that must be travelled.
“It is very important to have women in the Army,” Dugast said. “It’s a way to involve women in their society. It’s very symbolic. It’s very important to show women can do the same as the men.”
The women in OCS feel it’s an honor and their duty to serve their country.
“Eighty percent of my family is in the ANA,” said Khatera Ayoupur, FOCS trainee. “I always wanted to be a part of the ANA and am so proud to wear this uniform. I am 100 percent ready to help my country; I love my country and our people.”
After the first class graduates, the barracks will relocate to Kabul Military Training Center, where a designated facility is already being renovated in order to accommodate up to 150 women.
“My hope for the future is that lots of females come into the ANA,” Defense Minister Abdul Rahim Wardak said. “I hope you will do a good job for them in Kabul and for all of Afghanistan. I am happy you are serving your country and are coming into the Army.
“As the first course, this is a good example for other females,” he said.
U.S. Army Capt. Tamara Gonzales contributed to this article.
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