Diverse group of Afghan citizens rally in front of parliament, advocating for equality and public participation.

Level Up Democracy: How Gender & Public Participation Can Transform Afghanistan's Legislature

Avery Sinclair in Politics & Policy June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Unlock the potential of Afghanistan's parliament: A guide to boosting female representation, citizen engagement, and legislative impact for a stronger, more inclusive democracy."

In a world grappling with governance challenges, the importance of a representative and responsive legislature cannot be overstated. For Afghanistan, a nation striving for stability and progress, the parliament serves as a cornerstone of its democratic aspirations. But how effectively does this institution represent the diverse voices of its people, particularly women, and how well does it engage the public in shaping the nation's future?

This article delves into the multifaceted role of the Afghan legislature, examining its structure, functions, and the extent to which it promotes gender equality and public participation. Drawing upon a comprehensive research paper, we'll explore the challenges and opportunities facing the parliament, shedding light on its potential to be a catalyst for positive change.

The journey towards a more inclusive and participatory democracy is not without its hurdles. From security concerns to misuse of power, the Afghan legislature faces a complex web of obstacles that hinder its effectiveness. However, by understanding these challenges and embracing innovative solutions, Afghanistan can harness the power of its parliament to build a more just and equitable society.

Understanding Afghanistan's Parliament: Structure, Functions, and Key Players

Diverse group of Afghan citizens rally in front of parliament, advocating for equality and public participation.

The parliament of Afghanistan, like many others around the world, is the central law-making body of the country. It is officially known as the National Assembly and is comprised of two houses. These houses work together, but each have distinct roles and powers:

The Wolesi Jirga (the lower house) is often seen as the more powerful chamber, as it directly represents the people. Members are directly elected by the people in each province.

The Wolesi Jirga (People’s Council): The lower house with 250 members elected directly by the people, holds significant power. It approves cabinet ministers, summons officials for questioning, and even has the power to impeach. This is very important because it gives them power to check the other parts of government.
The Meshrano Jirga (House of Elders): The upper house has 102 members with a mix of presidential appointees and those elected by local councils. While less powerful than the lower house, it plays a crucial role in the legislative process.

The parliament's responsibilities span a wide range of crucial areas, including representation, legislation, and oversight of government activities. All laws that the government drafts and submits for approval to the legislature go first to the lower house and then to the upper house for ratification, with the exception of the budget.

Empowering the Afghan Legislature: A Call for Collective Action

The Afghan legislature has the potential to be a powerful force for positive change, driving progress towards gender equality, inclusive governance, and sustainable development. However, realizing this potential requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including the government, civil society organizations, and the international community. By addressing the challenges and embracing the opportunities, Afghanistan can build a more just, equitable, and prosperous future for all its citizens.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1007/978-3-319-74977-8_8, Alternate LINK

Title: Role Of The Legislature In Gender And Public Participation

Journal: Gender and Public Participation in Afghanistan

Publisher: Springer International Publishing

Authors: Bashirullah Najimi

Published: 2018-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is the structure of Afghanistan's parliament, and what are the distinct roles of each house?

The Afghan legislature, known as the National Assembly, consists of two houses: the Wolesi Jirga (People’s Council) and the Meshrano Jirga (House of Elders). The Wolesi Jirga is the lower house with 250 members directly elected by the people, holding significant power to approve cabinet ministers, summon officials, and impeach. The Meshrano Jirga, the upper house, has 102 members comprising presidential appointees and those elected by local councils, playing a crucial role in the legislative process. Both houses collaborate on legislation, with the Wolesi Jirga typically reviewing laws first, except for the budget.

What specific powers does the Wolesi Jirga (People’s Council) have to ensure government accountability in Afghanistan?

The Wolesi Jirga (People’s Council) holds the power to approve cabinet ministers, summon officials for questioning, and even impeach them. This oversight function enables the Wolesi Jirga to hold the executive branch accountable, ensuring government activities align with the needs and interests of the Afghan people. It is important to mention that the effectiveness of this power depends on the political climate, the integrity of the members, and the availability of reliable information.

What are the primary responsibilities of the Afghan legislature, and what factors influence its effectiveness?

The Afghan legislature, specifically both the Wolesi Jirga and the Meshrano Jirga, are responsible for representation, legislation, and oversight of government activities. They draft and submit laws for approval, contributing to shaping the legal framework of the country. Missing from this is direct mention of budget approval. In practice, the effectiveness depends on factors such as political stability, security concerns, and the engagement of civil society.

What actions are needed from various stakeholders to empower the Afghan legislature and drive positive change?

To empower the Afghan legislature, a collective effort from the government, civil society organizations, and the international community is required. This includes addressing challenges such as security concerns and misuse of power, as well as embracing innovative solutions to enhance gender equality, inclusive governance, and sustainable development. The empowerment of the Afghan legislature also has implications for Afghanistan's relationship with other countries, in terms of trade, security, and diplomacy.

How do gender equality and public participation contribute to the transformation of Afghanistan's legislature, and what implications do these have for the country's democracy?

The text highlights the importance of gender equality and public participation in transforming Afghanistan's legislature. Enhancing female representation, citizen engagement, and legislative impact are key strategies to build a stronger and more inclusive democracy. These initiatives are closely tied to human rights, as they promote equality, freedom of expression, and the right to participate in political processes. It's important to note that without direct commitment to these principles, progress will be limited.