International Women's Day in Afghanistan particularly special Published March 13, 2014 By Maj. Cathleen Snow International Security Assistance Force KABUL, AFGHANISTAN -- As a Joint Expeditionary Airman for the International Security Assistance Force in Kabul, I am part of the NATO Coalition, and after four and a half months of living and working in Afghanistan, I have come to know women from all over the world. On Saturday , we celebrated International Women's Day, recognizing women here and everywhere because progress for women is progress for all. In my dormitory hallway, there are French, Italian, Icelandic, British and Macedonian women. I enjoy getting to know these women and sharing stories that highlight our cultural differences, as well as what we have in common. While I enjoy my daily encounters with women from throughout the globe here at ISAF Headquarters, it is my interactions with the Afghan women who truly stand apart as special and memorable. After all, they are the reason we are here. Every day our Afghan cleaning lady, Anjouli, arrives in a full-length black burqa that covers all but her big, dark eyes outlined in black. She looks to be in her 40s. Upon arriving to our all-female dormitory, she is able to remove her burqa and walk around freely in her everyday attire, usually a simple dress. She works hard and proudly keeps our hallway and shared restroom and shower facilities spotless. We speak with each other often. She enjoys improving her English, while I attempt to learn a bit of her language, Dari. Sometimes it's a simple greeting. Other times, our curiosity gets the best of us and we delve further, trying to discuss issues with our limited language abilities. It's a challenge, but somehow we manage to understand each other. We have become friends. During the U.S.-led Coalition's presence here during the past 12 years, the situation for women in Afghanistan has improved. For instance, school enrollment nationwide rose from one million children in 2001 to 10.5 million in 2013. More than 40 percent of Afghan students are girls. Under the Taliban, girls had been banned from attending school. Despite this improvement, there is still a long way to go. Afghanistan is still considered one of the harshest places in the world for women. In honor of International Women's Day, let's show not only respect and love for the women we meet every day, but empathy and encouragement for those whom we may never meet, but who strive without quitting for the equality and appreciation they so richly deserve.