The U.S.-Afghan Women's Council has met at the White House to discuss ways to support Afghan women as Afghanistan moves toward taking full responsibility for its security by the end of 2014.

Participants in the discussion Wednesday also focused on ensuring a meaningful voice and protection of rights for women in the Afghan peace and reconciliation process so they can take full part in their society.

The meeting was hosted by Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues Melanne Verveer, Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Marc Grossman, and the White House Council on Women and Girls.

Created in 2002, the council is a public-private partnership that brings together leaders in government, the private sector and philanthropy to support initiatives that provide training and capacity-building for Afghan women in health, education, entrepreneurship and leadership.