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"In my opinion most cases of violence against women occur because the man and woman do not marry each other wilingly.  Forced marriages can mean making two very different people with little understanding of each other, live below one roof. In Islam the woman and man should know each other and consent to marry each other", says Mohammad Ewaz Fahimi, Head of the Haj and Islamic Affairs Directorate Yakawlang, during a Women's Rights and Islam Training conducted by UNFPA in Kabul.

UNFPA works with the Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs (MOHRA), to tackle the pervasive problem of gender based violence in Afghan society.  It recognizes the importance of engaging with Islamic scholars, whose significance in influencing social norms and opinions cannot be undermined. 

The training organized by UNFPA targets the prevention of Gender Based Violence from the perspective of Islamic teachings, by referring to the Quran and ‘Ahadiths' (life and teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad).

"The knowledge of Women's Rights I have acquired through this training is very essential. When I return to my community,  I will disseminate these messages through the local councils and other community elders.  We are a Muslim nation and Afghan men should learn about how Prophet Mohmmad Peace Be Upon Him treated his wives with respect and love.  It is against Islam to inflict any kind of physical violence on your wife, sister or mother", said Mohammad Ewaz Fahimi.  

Among UNFPA's significant achievements in partnership with MOHRA, is the development of the Healthy Family Fortunate Society, book to be used for raising awareness of religious scholars and leaders and common people, regarding the position of Islam on issues related to all kinds of violence against women.