|
--Family Planning --
A radical culturally imperialistic idea? Not!
The governor of Char Asiab and I had a lengthy discussion the other day. During our conversation I informed him that Asma Nemati, Raymond's daughter and TIE's program director in Kabul, had discovered a family planning program, approved by the Afghan government and religious leaders. I asked whether the valley would be receptive to family planning seminars.
Afghan families have, on average, e ight children. At that rate, its population will double from 30 million to 60 million in 20 years. It's the fifth poorest country in the world with a per capita income of less than $300 a year. The consequences of the current birth rate are obvious. The governor has 2 wives and 18 children. He smiled and reminded me of the size of his family, with more than a slight gesture of male bravado, and joked (I think) he was looking for a third wife. He's well aware of the problem and is very supportive. I assured him he would not be asked to conduct the seminars (more laughter).
Earlier I had raised the subject with TIE's male and female teachers. Both groups were supportive and suggested that we also include health and first aid courses. So, now begins another presently unfunded program, which is not as bad as an unfunded mandate.
As our meeting was coming to a close I told him I have one other program I would like him to support. This program would help Afghan men have a better understanding of American men. It would start by requiring Afghan men to help wash the dishes one night a week. While  laughing, almost uncontrollably, he said Afghanistan is not quite ready for "complete democracy" and asked whether American men might like to go back to where they were before "democracy." Interesting how he associated washing the dishes with democracy. Does anyone know how far back we'd have to go? Women acquired the right to vote in the United States in 1920. Were men expected to help do the dishes before then? Was doing the pots and pans added later? There must be a women's right historian among us.
The TIE "Help with the dishes program" was tabled for the time being.
More to follow after a few more meetings..
Budd
P.S. Pictured above is the Governor of Char Asiab with 3 of his 18 children.
Pictured below and next to me are members of
the family planning target group. How receptive do you think they will
be to the concepts of moderation and abstinence?
|
