Written question asked by Caroline Spelman (Conservative) on Wednesday, 13 November 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 19 December 2002. It was answered by Clare Short (Labour) on Thursday, 19 December 2002 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Dept for International Development

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what recent discussions her Department has had with government ministers in Afghanistan to ensure the safety of Afghan girls attending school.

Answer: Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions her Department has had with government ministers in Afghanistan to ensure the safety of Afghan girls attending school. [80562] Clare Short: We are concerned about the reports of attacks on girls' schools in various parts of Afghanistan. Although we are only aware of a limited number of incidents and millions of girls are going back to school, this is a worrying signal of the threat to the equal status of women and girls in Afghanistan. This must be addressed through a comprehensive effort to improve gender equality. During my recent visit to Afghanistan I met the Afghan Affairs Minister, Dr. Habiba Sorabi, and representatives of women's groups. We discussed the factors affecting girls returning to school as well as the wider issue of women's rights.

Secondary information