We awoke one morning in Kabul to the sound of not-too-distant explosions , marking the start to the fighting season . But bombs were not the foremost takeaway from our Mother 's Day trip to Afghanistan -- the women fighting to stop the bombs left a more lasting impression . More than a decade after American and allied forces toppled the Taliban regime , the improvement in the quality of life for Afghan women is unmistakable . Women are now participants -- and in many cases , leaders -- in a society that once systematically subjugated them . There are female government officials at almost every level , young girls going to school , young women in college , and new opportunities cropping up around the country . On a sixth annual trip , our congressional delegation of women legislators spent several days in Afghanistan in May meeting with many of the women who have helped begin to reverse centuries of repression . We spoke with female public officials , women journalists , and heads of organizations focused on advancing the role of women . And we had the privilege to spend time with a special group of people who , although they are not from Afghanistan , have a unique appreciation for what Afghan women are fighting for . On Mother 's Day we met our `` military moms '' -- women soldiers from the United States who have children back home . We delivered Mother 's Day cards made by American school children , hosted a luncheon and listened to their stories of heroism and sacrifice . It became clear that all these women -- Afghan , American or otherwise -- are determined to preserve and grow the progress made by Afghan women and girls . The most striking example came when we met with women members of the Afghan parliament . At a roundtable , we discussed the opportunities that have been made available to Afghan women and girls over the past decade ; the important role they must play in the country 's society , security and economy in order to see future success ; and the critical need to protect these gains from backsliding . `` We can bring democracy to Afghanistan , '' one of the Parliamentarians said . For emphasis , another added : `` We can deliver . '' By engaging with the Afghan people directly , we experienced firsthand the growing sense of cautious optimism that seems to have taken root here , due in large part to women 's gains and to the recent national elections . There is no mistaking that the situation in Afghanistan is still fragile and highly complicated . Yes , the elections in April saw relative success with high voter turnout , a higher than expected turnout among women , and relatively small amounts of violence . But runoff elections set for June 14 are another important test of the coalition-trained Afghan security forces and voter retention . A bilateral security agreement needs to be signed . Both remaining presidential candidates have signaled their willingness to participate in such an agreement , but details are yet to be finalized . A clear plan to maintain Afghan women 's gains must be included . Our delegation urged for more focus to be placed on recruiting women to the Afghan National Security Forces . The Afghan Ministry of Defense currently has 700 women in the security forces , but that number needs to be increased significantly . Last week , President Barack Obama announced that 9,800 American troops will remain in Afghanistan after the end of 2014 , with that number stepping down in subsequent years . No one wants our troops to stay in Afghanistan one moment longer than necessary , and the transition from a combat role to one of training and advisory must be done carefully and responsibly . Afghanistan must take the reins of their country 's future , and America must play an important role in ensuring a lasting peace . A secure Afghanistan ultimately impacts America 's national security . And strong signals of U.S. support contribute to the confidence of the Afghan people . An important bellwether for the success or failure of America 's efforts in Afghanistan will be the preservation of the gains made by Afghan women . If the bombs we heard that morning in Kabul reminded us of the challenges that remain here , the women we met in Afghanistan personified how far this country has come , and the potential for where it goes next . Join us on Facebook.com/CNNOpinion .
A bipartisan coalition of women in Congress visited women in Afghanistan . The improvement in the quality of life for Afghan women is unmistakable , they say . Still , long-term success will be in the preservation of the gains made by Afghan women .