Join a vigil in solidarity with Afghan women to mark the anniversary of UN resolution 1325 | No Women No Peace

Join a vigil in solidarity with Afghan women to mark the anniversary of UN resolution 1325

Join us in standing in solidarity with Afghan women's rights activists at a candlelit vigil marking the 11th anniversary of UN Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace and security.

Today marks the 11th anniversary of the signing of UN Security Council resolution 1325, which recognises the unique impact of conflict on women, and the important contribution of women in peacebuilding. This and other resolutions like 1820, on sexual violence in conflict, are important steps in recognising the issues faced by women in conflict areas. However, these resolutions need to be felt by the women who are effected by conflict.

On and around this day, activists in the UK and internationally are holding vigils in solidarity with women's rights activists in Afghanistan, a country with a long history of conflict. Ten years after the US, UK and their allies entered Afghanistan, discussions are taking place to decide the future of the country. We are working to make sure that women's voices are heard in these discussions, and that women's rights stay firmly on the agenda.

Women's rights were used as one of the justifications for military intervention in Afghanistan in 2001, but now women's rights are seen by some as a 'nice to have' that will inevitably need to be traded off on the road to peace. We can't let this happen - a peace that excludes the rights and needs of half the population is an unjust peace. Afghan women's rights activists are standing up to be heard and to make sure that the fragile gains that have been made in the areas of political participation and education are not eroded as part of any agreement. We are standing in solidarity with them and asking our governments to ensure that their voices are heard in negotiations. Read more about this issue here.

Take action for women's rights in Afghanistan:

We are currently running a petition to UK Foreign Secretary William Hague to ensure that the government takes steps to ensure that women's rights are included in the upcoming international conference on Afghanistan in Bonn, Germany on 5th December.

Sign the petition and write a letter to your MP asking them to raise the issue.

Join us in support of Afghan women's rights activists who are standing up to be heard. Be sure to wear a green scarf, a symbol of women's rights activism in Afghanistan and upload your photo to the Channel16 photo wall.

Image credits: Afghan Women's Network

Image caption: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton with members of the Afghan Women's Network

 

 

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added by Shelagh Daley 31.10.11