Yakin Ertürk, Director, UN Division for the Advancement of
Women: supporting our conference in 2001
.... "The issues which widows generally face and those encountered by women in developing countries are cause for serious concern. The situation of widows should continue to be featured on the international fora until they become firmly integrated into the policy agenda.
Good news for widows in Kabul.
CARE International with funding from the Canadian government has been providing widows with much needed food rations - split peas, powdered milk and soya oil - since 1996. But suddenly this year they heard that the $2.5 million annual funding had been withdrawn. 
"We are widows. We are all wondering what will happen to us without this food," said one Afghan woman, speaking through an interpreter in Kabul. "We appreciate receiving this food," said the woman, who would not give her name. "We don't want it to end. We pray all the time for the government of Canada to continue our food."
The widows planned to stage a public rally in Kabul to draw attention to Ottawa's decision to stop funding the program.
Before it could take place the Canadian government changed its mind and has agreed to continue the CARE feeding programme for another year. WRI is delighted to hear of this wise reversal of the decision, but also of the determination of the widows to demonstrate in public against the decision.
CARE also provides widows with skills training and micro-credit projects; widows are given chickens to sell eggs, or sewing machines to open their own seamstress businesses. Groups of widows with small businesses have been organized into savings co-operatives, through which members can apply for modest loans.
Also Read .....WRI's Visit to Afhganistan
Also Read .....Afghanistan Survey Details
From WRI Newsletter 6 - Full copies of the Newsletter available from WRI office