The situation of women and girls in Afghanistan

In compliance with Economic and Social Council resolution 2003/43 of 22 July 2003, the present report presents an overview of the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan in 2003 and gender-related assistance provided by the United Nations system. The report provides information about activities undertaken by the United Nations and its system of organizations in support of the Afghan Transitional Administration and its work in the advancement of women and gender equality. It includes recommendations for further efforts, including the need for increased security and prevention of violence, the importance of ensuring that the new Constitutional Loya Jirga enshrines the equality of women with that of men and that the forthcoming elections promote the full participation of women as well as the importance of a rights-based and gender-sensitive approach to relief, reconstruction and development.