FMIC

The French Medical Institute for Children celebrated International Women’s Day on Sunday, March 8, 2015. 

International Women’s Day, now in its 25th year, is celebrated all over the world appreciating women’s achievements and also calling for greater equality. The theme for 2015 is ‘Make It Happen’ encouraging effective action for advancing and recognising women. The women’s day celebration aims to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women around the world. 

Each year FMIC celebrates International Women's Day to encourage and appreciate the work of its female staff. Out of its 644 employees, 127 are women working in all aspects of health care. The male to female ratio is 4:1 which is higher than the Afghan national average.

Over the years, FMIC has achieved higher standards of performance from its female employees by providing ample opportunities for growth and development. Scholarships are available for advanced studies while on-the-job training sessions and professional development activities are conducted on a regular basis. The financial assistance offered for professional growth has been availed by women working in various departments; at least 10 female staff have opted to pursue bachelor and master’s level education in nursing and business administration. In a first for most Afghan workplaces, a child day-care centre facility is available for women with young children. A women’s group is now actively working at FMIC leading these activities.

The ceremony was presided over by Mrs Nurjehan Mawani, Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) Diplomatic Representative for Afghanistan, and FMIC’s senior management along with FMIC female staff.

Mrs Mawani during her remarks said that she is happy to know that FMIC provides scholarships to female staff to encourage them to pursue advanced studies while on the job training sessions and professional development activities are conducted on a regular basis. “Today, there is a generation of educated and skilled young women just like female staff working at FMIC, ready to play their part in Afghanistan’s future. We should encourage women to use technology and also provide a conducive environment for Afghan women in the workplace.”

“I want to thank you all at FMIC for the work you are doing to empower women in Afghanistan. AKDN is also playing its role in enhancing the quality of life and women empowerment,” added Mrs Mawani.

Afghanistan like many other countries is also striving to provide equal opportunity to women in all fields of life.  According to UNESCO International Literacy Data 2014, gender disparity remains high in Afghanistan, with only 18% of adult women able to read and write, compared to 45% of adult men. Among youths between 15 and 24 years, the situation is improved, with a female literacy rate of 32% and a male literacy rate of 62% in 2011.