Washington, D.C. – Representatives Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) and Donna F. Edwards (MD-4), Co-Chairs of the Afghan Women’s Task Force, released a joint statement regarding the first-ever U.S. National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security released by President Obama.

“The U.S. National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security is a landmark commitment from the United States to ensure that women, particularly in those conflict zones, are included in peace negotiations and peacebuilding activities. It is well documented, and the strong belief of the Afghan Women’s Task Force, that including women in diplomatic, military, and development-support activities creates more stable, peaceful, and economically viable communities.

“Less than a month after the Bonn Conference in Germany, this national plan comes at an important time for the women of Afghanistan. The conference conclusions issued on December 5, 2011, recognize that the rights of women must be protected but provides less certainty on the framework for women’s inclusion. As we maintain our engagement with President Karzai and other Afghan officials, military personnel, and assistance organizations, the President’s National Action Plan will provide additional confidence to the women of Afghanistan that the United States will continue to advocate for the protection of their constitutional rights and their full and equal participation in Afghan society.”

###