Women's Day in Kabul

Before you read this or any of my blogs for the first time about my time in Afghanistan, and before you write me an angry email about what I've written, please read this disclaimer and please read the blog introduction page, so you have more context about when this was written, why it was written, what 2001 was like and who I am (and was).

The dates on blogs are when they were originally published, and may not be when events actually happened.

All of the Afghan women were presented with a wrapped box -- I hope it was full of great things, not just perfume or something. That includes the cleaning women, who sat there looking uncomfortable. The non Afghan women -- an Iranian colleague, a Kenyan, a German and myself -- were presented with lovely Spring floral arrangements. Each woman had been asked to do something, anything, to honor the day. About half had agreed (and I was pleased, since talking in public is not something Afghan women are known for). They read poems or prose in Dari that somehow emphasized the power or plight of women. It didn't matter that I didn't understand a word -- I understood it all.

And for any man that stood up and talked about how or why this day was important, the Iranian woman in charge of gender-related activities at the ministry, and this event, threw him a Twix bar.

So, what did I do? Well, the temptation was to stand on top of the table and sing "Goodbye, Earl", but I thought that might not go over so well. So, instead, I read the lyrics to "I Am Woman" (the Iranian woman LOVED it), and at the last line, "Until I make my brother understand," I gestured broadly to my left, to all that side of the room. I got some appreciative "Ahhhhs."

I took some photos and video -- the photos are available on my Flickr site.

It was much more fun than a previous IWD I spent in Bonn.

The history of the song is noted on Wikipedia, and I adapted this, as well as the lyrics, and shared them via a flyer with the group.