Afghanistan is a fragile country, and security presents a number of challenges. I will tell you about some of our achievements, particularly as they apply to women.
I have had a number of opportunities, including recently, to meet with a group of Afghan women in Toronto. They are very encouraged. First, they are extremely grateful for our presence in Afghanistan. They firmly believe that security is essential for development in Afghanistan. We have worked very hard with Rights and Democracy to ensure that the rights of women are included in the constitution. We have provided funding for women to attend vocational schools so that they can assure their future. The MISFA micro-credit program is an enormous success. Three quarters of the loans have been granted to women. That has allowed them to start small businesses and take charge of their own future.
Recently, in Ottawa, the director of one of the micro-credit branches explained that it had been created by women for women. It has been enormously successful. She gave a moving testimonial on the way in which they were able to help women.
We also allow women to access farm markets. Last fall, we announced a program. I had an opportunity to meet with representatives of MEDA, the Mennonite Economic Development Association. The women in charge of the program told me two weeks ago that the results were well beyond all of their expectations. The women participate and this allows them to grow vegetables, to sell them at these markets and to earn money for their future.
We are helping the Afghan people in many ways. I gave women as an example. We must not forget that these women were deprived of their rights, were tortured and injured. They lived in fear. The group whom I met with in Toronto was unanimous. There were about 30 women there. They become concerned when they see that the mission is becoming politicized. For them, a return to the Taliban regime would be a disaster.