The Individual and the Legacy: Politics and Gender in South Asia

The Asia Society is inviting to an evening debate on "The Individual and the Legacy: Politics and Gender in South Asia", exploring political landscapes and gender dynamics in South Asia, through the journeys and experiences of PN member Farkhunda Naderi. While navigating between personal passions and challenges against the backdrop of particular socio-cultural contexts and legacies, what can we learn about society in Afghanistan, the functioning of politics, and challenges in forming an equitable legislature? At a time when elections in India have raised the spotlight on the role and position of parliamentarians, and when women's empowerment remains a critical issue, this discussion will consider comparative situations, lessons from the past and future prospects.

Farkhunda Zarah Naderi was elected as the Kabul representative in the Afghanistan National Assembly in the 2010 Afghan parliamentary elections, with the support of National Unity Party of Afghanistan (NUPA). In 2007, the Central Council of the party appointed her the Head of Women's Committee & Youth Association. She has served as a Member of the Commission on Women's Affairs, Human Rights and Civil Society, has won the UNDP's N-PEACE award, and was awarded the title of Peace Ambassador by Universal Peace Federation. She is also President of the Matab Healthcare Center in Taimani and Founder of Chadari, an organisation that promotes women's rights in Afghanistan.

This event is part of the inaugural edition of the Women Parliamentarians of Afghanistan series — jointly presented by Asia Society India Centre and the Consulate General of Canada — which promotes dialogue to expand the representation of women in leadership positions, works towards conditioning mindsets for greater acceptance of women in the workplace, and highlights successes in achieving prominent representations of women in positions of leadership.

For more information and to register, please click here.

Photo by The Chicago Council on Global Affairs.