releases: https://tsongas.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1378
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://tsongas.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1378 | Tsongas statement on SIGAR report regarding progress of Afghan women | 2014-12-19 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Democrat | House | MA | Niki Tsongas | T000465 | tsongas.house.gov | legacy | LOWELL - Congresswoman Niki Tsongas (MA-3), Co-Chair of the Afghan Women's Caucus, released the following statement regarding a report released by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) report on the progress of Afghan women. “This past May, along with a bipartisan coalition of women Members of Congress, I made my sixth trip to Afghanistan since being elected to Congress in 2007. While there, as I had done on trips past, I met with Afghan and coalition leaders whose focus was on advancing the rights of women in that country. This year we spoke with women Members of Afghan Parliament, women journalists, young girls being educated and women community leaders. We toured a women’s resource center in Mazar-e-Sharif that provides programs for women, such as mental health services. We talked with women about their participation in the first round of the Presidential election and the confidence they had going to the polls, which was reflected in the high levels of women who turned out to vote throughout the entire election process. “All of these women spoke of the gains made by Afghan women and girls over the past decade. “Through these trips, and in my role as Co-Chair of the Afghan Women’s Task Force, I have gained an appreciation for the important role America has played – and must continue to play – in protecting the rights of Afghan women. The anecdotal evidence has been a strong indicator that the sacrifices made by so many U.S. servicemembers, combined with a fierce determination inherent in Afghan women themselves, have had positive results. “But Afghan women know the fight is far from over. Many significant challenges lie ahead. But if we are to have a clear plan moving forward, one that best supports Afghan women as the U.S. draws down its presence in that country, we need an accurate assessment of what has and has not worked so far. This is why the recent SIGAR report is concerning. “The SIGAR report raises legitimate questions about how the State Department, DOD and USAID measure the effectiveness of their programs. The report indicates a need for improved transparency and tracking methods. American taxpayers deserve to know that their dollars are being spent effectively. “Ultimately, preserving Afghan women’s rights is a global issue, with global implications. Time after time studies have shown that advancing opportunities for women and girls has a direct positive effect on a nation’s overall economic growth, sustainable development and peace. Inclusion of women in society indicates stability, and a stable Afghanistan will lead to greater international security. America, the region and the world have a stake in ensuring the programs put in place are making the intended difference.” #### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |