Afghanistan: Development Strategy Post-2014

Debate between Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth and Baroness Fookes

Thursday 20th November 2014 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Fookes (Con)]

Does my noble friend agree that, if women are to be empowered and encouraged, it has to start with universal education for girls? What plans have we there?

[Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth]

My noble friend is absolutely right to raise that key issue, which relates to education, antenatal care and health services for women. Substantial progress has been made. Currently, 6.7 million people are receiving education in Afghanistan, of whom 3 million are girls. Much still needs to be done but that is significant progress over the past decade.