New Reports Highlight Women's Rights in Afghanistan Ten Years After Military Intervention | No Women No Peace

New Reports Highlight Women's Rights in Afghanistan Ten Years After Military Intervention

Two important new reports have been released from our members Oxfam and ActionAid on women's rights in Afghanistan. 7th October 2011 marks the ten year anniversary of military intervention in the country and it is crucial that women's voices are heard in the negotiations that will shape the future of their country.

The Oxfam report, entitled A Place at the Table: Safeguarding Women's Rights in Afghanistan, outlines the need for women's participation in the ongoing peace negotiations in Afghanistan. As the introduction reads:

"Women in Afghanistan have achieved real progress in areas such as political participation, the rule of law, and education since 2001, but these hard-won gains remain fragile. With the imminent withdrawal of international forces, there is a risk that the government may sacrifice women’s rights in order to secure a political deal with the Taliban and other armed opposition groups. The government and its international partners must do much more to support Afghan women’s efforts and uphold their rights while ensuring that women have a strong voice in any future negotiations and political settlements."

The ActionAid report, entitled A just peace? The legacy of war for the women of Afghanistan, explores the impact of the war on women in Afghanistan over the past ten years and looks at the challenges facing women in Afghanistan in the years to come. ActionAid interviewed 1,000 Afghan women to get their perspectives on the transition process and what it will mean for the future of their country and their hard-won rights. 

 ActionAid has also produced the following video to highlight these issues:

Both reports offer invaluable information on the status of women in Afghanistan from the perspectives of Afghan women and make important recommendations. These are both highly recommended reading material for those wishing to learn more about women's rights in Afghanistan.

 

The 10th anniverary of military intervention in Afghanistan is Friday, 7th October 2011. No women, no peace. will be launching an MP letter action and petition to the UK Government to mark this milestone, asking the UK Foreign Secretary to ensure that Afghan women's voices are heard in the discussions that will shape their future. Use the hashtag #AfghanWomen on Twitter to show your solidarity with women in Afghanistan and check back with us this Friday to take action for women in Afghanistan.

 

Image Credit: Women for Women International

 

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added by Shelagh Daley 03.10.11