Despite death threats and intimidation a record number of women are contesting seats in today’s Afghan parliamentary elections.

Fighting a political campaign in Afghanistan has inherent dangers; especially for women, Channel 4 news reports.

Taliban insurgents oppose the country’s elections generally, but they particularly oppose the election of women.

Despite the dangers there will be a record number of female names on the ballot papers come 18 September.

After decades of oppression women in Afghanistan want a say in the country’s future.

Nahid Ahmadi Farid is among those standing: “We don’t want to suffer for another five years. We don’t want the same problems again.

“I have stood up because of the problems Afghan women are facing. We have been inside the walls for the past 30 years and no one is listening to our voice.”

Also standing is Hawa Alam Nuristani and  her eldest daughter Rana. Hawa last ran for a seat in the Afghan parliament five years ago and survived an ambush attack when she visited a remote mountain village.

Last year, she escaped with minor injuries from a car bomb that exploded outside NATO’s Kabul headquarters. Rana was among the 91 people who were wounded; seven died.

If they prevail, the pair will make Afghan history as the first mother and daughter to enter the lower house of parliament together, says the Miami Herald.