Women are also returning to work in the media, re-embarking on the careers in radio and television they had been forced to abandon. Seeing and hearing women delivering the news and hosting shows has been a symbol of hope for those whose voices the Taliban had silenced.
 
With training in policy making, the political process and advocacy, women are making a difference in their country's future - both in Kabul and the countryside - as they gather at USAID-provided women's centers for community support, planning and sharing.

Women are returning to their work in television, radio and newspapers, inspiring other women to follow in their footsteps. Ayoubi, who is training to be a photojournalist, says she is excited about her future career, "Today I went to three functions and took photos of those functions. I cannot predict the future, but I am optimistic...." Photo: IOM-ATI Staff

The new weekly newspaper for women, Morsal, provides news, entertainment and inspiration each week to approximately 340,000 women across Afghanistan. In addition to meeting the needs of its readers, Morsal provides employment to female journalists like these two writers. Photo: IOM-ATI Staff

Minister of Public Health Sohaila Sediq, a Pashtun, is one of two female ministers in President Karzai's cabinet and the only female general ever to serve in the Afghan army. She earned a reputation for saving the lives of soldiers and civilians during the rocket attacks in the 1990s. When the Taliban took over, they ordered her to leave the hospital. Within months, the regime realized it had lost the country's best surgeon and asked her to return to the military hospital, where she treated and earned the respect of soldiers on both sides of the conflict. Now she is serving as the Minister of Public Health.

Minister of Women's Affairs During the Taliban rule, Habiba Sarabi risked her life as a teacher for girls in underground schools. She has worked with many non-government organizations on health issues and income-generating activities for women - experiences that have served her well in her current role as Minister of Women's Affairs.

Women school teachers, government and non-governmental organization staff and university students meet to discuss their country's political processes and encourage women's involvement. "Two years ago, we weren't supposed to have an opinion. Now we are meeting to ask ourselves questions such as how we can contribute to the development of Afghanistan," said one woman. Photo: IOM-ATI Staff