Afghanistan’s First woman Consul General in Mumbai Zakia Wardak talks about connecting India and Afghanistan, in an interview with Rtn. Manjeet Kripalani
As an architect, what is your vision for Kabul?
Honestly, there was nothing there 20 years ago due to the war. So, when everybody came back to Afghanistan, everyone wanted to see development of education of youth and women. And there was a lot of progress that happened.
We had beautiful mountains and as an architect I always wanted to build houses and high rises and leave the fields open for greenery and beauty. Once I became the Minister, the development didn’t happen. I also shared my plans and views of the city with the President. But a lot of development happened in terms of empowerment of women.
We have a lot of women entrepreneurs, social activists, singers, ministers, counsellors, doctors, engineers, and TV anchors, so there is a lot of development. Earlier, women in Afghanistan were not allowed to go to schools and today we have girl students in India who are studying courses there.
A lot of development happened in Afghanistan, and we are hoping that it doesn’t stop, especially for women, and Afghanistan moves forward. Due to the war, we have a lot of widows, and a lot of women are suffering, they should be able to be a part of the Afghanistan development and work shoulder to shoulder with men. That is all I can say.
Afghanistan has become a uniquely matriarchal society in many ways because of the many men who have lost their lives due to the war. How has that been impacted in the past years?
To be honest, there were difficulties and a lot of struggles. We wanted development, but they were struggling.
When the women-led families moved to the city, were they able to lead a professional life?
No, some could, but even here, I have been living here for a year, I don’t see much development in rural areas. A lot of women don’t change, they don’t go to school. They are working and going for work, they are not getting education, they work as maids, there are a lot of problems. In Afghanistan, too, four years of war has caused a lot of damage and that is why our Kabul is very far from the city again. There is a big difference between them.
And Kabul as a city has changed dramatically.
It is the most beautiful city. I didn’t like the recent developments of the structure, but I think the weather, food, vegetables, and people are the most beautiful.
Can we talk about the India-Afghan trade and how it has progressed?
Last year, even with the pandemic, we reached US$ 1.5 billion trade with Afghanistan and India. We aim to raise it to US$ 3 to 5 billion. There is a lot of love for the fruits, dry fruits, jaifal and hing of Afghanistan and from India, it is rice, sugar, and cooking oil. These are the three major products that Afghanistan has passion for besides clothing and handicrafts. We also have special stones and Jaipur is the biggest buyer, I guess, and they have invested in Jaipur.
When you look at the trade, is it still continuing?
I believe no matter what kind of government exists, trade will always happen because the Afghanistan people will need to get products from India and also some needful things from Afghanistan will go to India unless the Indian Government announces that they will not trade, which has not happened yet.
So, will trade happen the old-fashioned way?
It is slow because the banks and funds are frozen, but it will not be forever. Trade will go on because that is the only economic empowerment and friendship that India and Afghanistan have, they must empower each other economically.
Where can we find these Afghani fruits?
Oh, there are many stores and fruit sellers. Most dry fruits are from Afghanistan.
Many in this group would have parents who have eaten Afghani watermelons, and when they come by flight, they bring back large bags of it which are so embedded in everyone’s memory.
Absolutely, and do not forget we have Zafaran. Since Kashmir is famous for Zafaran, many sell it as Kashmiri zafaran. I said, no, there are people who know the difference, who know Afghani Zafaran, they will buy it as long as they know it is from Afghanistan. And I met that person and he said it was a big achievement. I believe India and Afghanistan are deeper than we think because we live in each other’s heart by the history, race, and by the impression that we are leaving. We have similar clothing, looks, the way we have weddings, all the stuff and that is how we reach out to each other easily.
ROTARIANS ASK
What did you hope to achieve in Mumbai?
Make the roots of trade stronger and also of culture, music, clothing, and fashion. So, I want my achievement to be in trade and culture. I meet a lot of people, some didn’t want to, but I met Anuradha Pal. She dedicated one of her songs to Afghanistan. I look forward to connecting Indian women to Afghanistan women.
What is responsible for the fierce Afghani spirit? It is a fiercely independent country.
Afghanistan people don’t want to be ruled by anyone.
You mentioned annual trade with India of US$1.5 bn. What percentage of total international trade of Afghanistan would that be?
The first largest trade that we have is between Afghanistan and Pakistan because transportation is easy across borders; the second place is india. The USA is not much, maybe less than half of India.
I am very concerned about the future of women. How can we make a difference?
You can make a difference by supporting one woman and connecting with her. Indian women should raise their voices for the Afghani women and say that they are with them.
Do you think the Afghani nature has changed after the war?
People have suffered but they still have a charm; they are loyal, simple, kind, sweet and understanding. They have not lost that. But yes, people have lost many family members, yet they care for others.
When do you believe it will be safe to visit Afghanistan?
It is safe.
After the unfortunate takeover of Taliban over Afghanistan, how do you think the geopolitical relation will be between India and Afghanistan?
I think we will leave it to the Indian Government and how they react to the new government. I believe that they are also keen to be recognised by the international community and India.
TO WATCH THE REST OF ZAKIA WARDAK’S INTERVIEW, CLICK HERE