Remaining socially and politically active has never been easy for Afghan women, as Afghanistan has been ranked the worst place for a woman to live in. With the ouster of Taliban government in 2001, a new chapter began in the life of women of Afghanistan. Their involvement has significantly increased various fields of life. Today millions of girls attend schools, thousands of women work in government and non-government organizations and hundreds are of them are involved in political, civil society and human rights activities.

Although lowest level of security prevails in the country, the Afghan women signal interest and enthusiasm to contribute immensely to the reconstruction and development process of their country.

Despite the presence of the international community in the last ten years, the world has witnessed dozens of shocking incidents where women have been brutally tortured or killed. There have been acid attacks on the faces of school going girls, self immolations by women and other incidents where women's body parts have been cut. But there are also stories of success. Afghan women have shown bravery, talent and passion for development.

On Friday, the US State Department awarded Maryam Durani, member of Kandahar provincial council, and nine other courageous women from some of the most dangerous and hostile countries in the world with the International Women of Courage Award for their fight for women's equality.

Kandahar is one of the most insecure provinces of Afghanistan. Since it has been the birthplace of Taliban, insurgent still hold significant control and influence there. In Kandahar, like the Taliban's time of government, women are restricted to the walls of their homes and they have to wear burqa and be accompanied by a male family member while in public.

But Maryam Durani is not only a member of Kandahar provincial council but also runs a radio station that focuses on women's rights and related issues. Fighting for women's rights in such a hostile province really needs courage and determination. Ms. Durani is a model role for women living in the Kandahar and other insecure provinces of Afghanistan.

The Afghan government should take further measures for encouragement of women towards more engagement in social and political life and eliminating violence against them. Also, the international community and Karzai administration need to ensure Afghan women that there will be no compromise on their rights in the negotiation process with the insurgents.