Roya Rahmani - Antara

Afghan Ambassador to Indonesia Roya Rahmani assumes her new post in Jakarta just as Muslims around the globe celebrate the holy month. Rahmani spoke of her Ramadhan experiences and the position of women in Afghanistan during an interview with The Jakarta Post’s Tama Salim. The following are excerpts from the interview:

How is the Ramadhan experience here compared to in your own country?

People in Afghanistan, as in Indonesia and other Muslim countries, do use this opportunity to get together more frequently. The holy month also provides for more family time because people try to get together to break the fast and perform the maghrib prayer. So, there is a nice sense of collectiveness and coming together.

The difference is the streets are almost vacant in Afghanistan during iftar time. Everyone is at a breaking of the fast gathering, while I see here in Indonesia it’s still very vibrant [with] people around, driving and life goes on.

Another difference is working hours. Regular work days in Afghanistan start at 8-8:30 a.m. but in Ramadhan work days start earlier, around 7–7:30 a.m. And the work days are shorter, ending between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.

For me personally, Ramadhan provides a good opportunity to network in a warm atmosphere.

Does the quite atmosphere have to do with the homogenous society?

It’s a more or less homogenous society, but I think it’s also about the practices in general. Here, what I’ve heard or noticed is that there are lots of places where people gather with their families, ... but in Afghanistan it’s mostly indoor activities with the families, at home most of the time.

I find that very interesting because how the Indonesian society functions is that everything can become part of the economy and trade. I really appreciate and like how the opportunity for trade and promoting livelihoods is seized here.

Are there any specific diplomatic tasks your country has assigned to you that can only be achieved through your particular perspective?

I think when you say what does it mean, [...] overall it means that Afghanistan is not really a country where there are guns, dust and women in burqas. This is the image that usually people have when they think of Afghanistan.

Afghanistan is not that Afghanistan; it’s not really that image that is being portrayed. It’s a country with a long history of civilization, of going through a lot and with very resilient people.

In terms of why I have been sent here, it is simply and indication of how our government is run; basically, the National Unity government’s goal is to have people based on their professional competence, track record, relevant skills as well as energy and passion for doing what’s asked of them.

Our President Muhammad Ashraf Ghani and our CEO Dr. Abdullah Abdullah are both very committed to bringing people on board and providing the opportunities for professionals, youth and also particularly to those that have not had their share, including women.

Do you mean that the current government emphasizes the significance of the roles of women?

In that respect, I must highlight that in the history of Afghanistan, there has never been the same number of women in government as there are now. This government has the highest number of professional women in higher posts in the history of Afghanistan.

To a country like Indonesia, where the contributions of women are an integral part of your economy, that’s sensible and I am privileged and honored that they have selected me for this assignment. I think there’s a lot that we can learn and take from Indonesia to promote relationships.

In terms of particular tasks and assignments, I think our government selects the right people based on specific criteria to achieve its aims.

Is your passion for gender and women’s empowerment a reason why the government assigned you here?

I’m certain that on a personal and professional level that it is one area to leverage, and it’s a very important area because being an Afghan woman, it is of course a personal part of me in addition to professional.

I think one of the ways to promote empowerment and work on more equitable and appropriate gender roles is by following the 23:57 model.

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