Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether, at the planned London Development Conference there will be scheduled opportunities for Afghan women representatives to speak in the Conference itself.

The full engagement of women and girls in political processes is essential for the success of Afghanistan. Integrating women and girls into the event – including but not limited to speaking slots – is a priority.

A critical element of the conference will be the civil society associated event, ‘Ayenda’ on 3 December and the follow-up event on 4 December. I will attend both of these events and women and girls will be central to them.