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KANDAHAR–In what was once a hotbed of Taliban activity, the burqa-clad women filed slowly into a community centre, eager for a rare chance to voice their opinions in a society dominated by men.
They were on hand for a women's "shura" in the traditionally conservative village of Bazar-e Panjwaii, a place that has borne witness to countless battles over the decades – from partisan encounters with invading Soviet troops to the more recent clashes between Taliban insurgents and Canadian soldiers.
Shuras (the word means consultation) have long played an important role in Afghan society.
Usually dominated by respected male elders, shuras are gatherings where conflicts are resolved, community issues are debated, and steps taken to meet community needs.
The notion of an all-women shura may seem counter-intuitive in a country where females are largely subjugated. Still, a number of women's shuras have taken place in Afghanistan over the years, but until now, none have been in the province that spawned the Taliban.
"They trickled in at the start," said Maj. Steve Nolan, commander of the Operational Mentoring Liaison Team that trains and mentors members of the Afghan National Army.
"These women from Bazar-e Panjwaii and the outlying villages were greeted by female Canadian soldiers," Nolan said.
"We still made some headway – the women were very engaged and a lot of the messaging was about women's rights by the team" of female soldiers.
The only male in the room was the Afghan interpreter.
While the shura had the blessing of the local district leader and was facilitated by the Canadian Forces, it may have attracted some unwanted attention.
"I'm not sure if it was entirely a coincidence, but there were five IED (bomb) incidents in the area and they all seemed to be on roads into the district centre," Nolan said.
"Is that a concerted plan by the insurgents?
"Five is an inordinately high number, and fact it was the day of the women's shura leads me to believe there are forces out there trying to influence the women's shura and hoping to get it cancelled or invalidated by lack of female participation."
However a Kandahar police official rated the roadside bombs as little more than business as usual in perilous Panjwaii.
"They weren't set up for the shura," said Matiullah Achakzai, the provincial police chief. "These routes are used by foreigners – Canadian, U.S. – and Afghan troops. They are the likely targets."
About two dozen local women showed up at the shura to share their opinions and apprehensions with the half-dozen female soldiers in attendance.
"We decided to start at one end of the room and ask each woman individually what her primary concern was," said Master Cpl. Helen Hawes.
"Primarily it was that they were poor. That was what every women said in her statement – `I am very poor.'"
Hawes said many of the women want to start working to help support their families.
"That was the most forward step that was brought up."
The village's school is only for boys – schools that include girls are a red flag for insurgents.
Hawes said the women are in favour of their daughters going to school, but worry about their safety.
Another meeting is expected in about a month, said Hawes.
Those involved in the shura want to come back with something positive, she added.
"We want to let them know we have been putting some work into it and are not ineffectual. We at least want to come back with at least one positive solution."
The shura was an eye-opening experience for Hawes, who works as a signaller at a forward operating base.
For her, it's become personal.
"I'm a bit of a feminist, and so if I think we should be sending those girls to school, my personal opinion is, let's make it happen," she said.
"I hope these girls don't grow up just cooking and cleaning. They want to work. They want to help their families. They want to change – maybe in a quiet way, not announcing it and marching in the street – but they want change."
