President Ashraf Ghani appointed Deputy Foreign Minister Adela Raz as Afghanistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, replacing Ambassador Mahmoud Saikal.

Officials said the appointment shows government’s commitment for appointing women in key positions and giving them more a role in the administration.

Figures by Ministry of Women Affairs show that women have role in 10 percent of key positions in the Afghan government while it has been committed by government to give 30 percent of key positions to women.

“Women’s participation in decision-making positions of government is one of the priorities of government, especially of the President,” said Durrani Waziri, deputy spokesman for President Ashraf Ghani.

“Adela Raz, the Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Cooperation, has been appointed as the permanent representative of Afghanistan to the United Nations by the order of President (Ashraf Ghani),” said Sibghat Ahmadi, a spokesman for Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Raz has studied law, diplomacy and economic development in the United States and has experience working in a number of government institutions.

“Women should be involved in decision making. Women’s participation in the decision-making positions should be a resolved issue. It should not be discussed in the peace talks, but should be accepted by the other party (Taliban),” said Nabila Musleh, Deputy Minister of Women’s Affairs.

A number of women working in and outside government welcomed the decision and said government should appoint more women in key positions.

“The obstacles against women’s success and effectiveness including social and cultural obstacles and obstacles in government structure and different views in government regarding women and their capabilities are very serious obstacles,” said Shahrzad Akbar, political activist.