Afghanistan’s First Female General Calls for More Women in Military
Khatol Mohammadzai was active in the Afghan army for more than 30 years. She earned many awards and made nearly 600 parachute jumps from an airplane. In addition, Mohammadzai has trained hundreds of Ministry of Defense members.
She is the first woman in Afghanistan to reach the rank of general. For years, the Afghan National Army has been considered a man’s army.
Khatol said, “When I move around the city with my uniform, people show great affection… I have motivated many young people to join the army. People from the provinces say they love me and my professions.”
In Afghanistan, joining the military is not an easy choice for women. They face opposition from families and male co-workers. Reports say they are denied promotions, training and security.
But the 103 female cadets at the Marshal Fahim Military Academy in Kabul want to change the military culture.
Women and men train separately at the academy. However, Afghan officers say their programs are similar. Both receive physical education, weapons and medical care training.
Cadet Sima Amiri says that she is one of the few women who had her father’s support to join the army.
She said, “My message to the families is to encourage their daughters and help them in their decision to join the National army.”
Khatol has urged for the expansion of service for women.
The Ministry of Defense says 1,700 women serve in the Afghan Army, about 1 percent of the total.
