Vigils show solidarity with Afghan women as they work to ensure their voices are heard | No Women No Peace

Vigils show solidarity with Afghan women as they work to ensure their voices are heard

No women, no peace. activists and partners are holding vigils and other solidarity events throughout the UK and internationally in support of women's rights activists in Afghanistan as talks take place on the future of the country. 

More than ten solidarity vigils have taken place so far and more are planned in the coming weeks to show support for women's rights in Afghanistan. The events are being held on and around the 11th anniversary of the signing of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, a landmark resolution recognising the impact of conflict on women and the need for women's participation in peace and reconciliation activities.

The vigils are intended to show support for women's rights activists in Afghanistan, who are bravely standing up to be heard. The vigils also aim to raise awareness of the issues and encourage the governments involved to ensure that women's rights are respected in any agreement on the future of Afghanistan. Find out more about why we are standing in solidarity with Afghan women here.

It is not just activists in the UK that are raising these issues. Women in the country of Georgia, a state which has also been effected by conflict, held vigils in 8 cities across Western Georgia to highlight the issues facing women in conflict areas and show their solidarity with the women of Afghanistan. A vigil is also planned in Portugal later this month.

If you are interested in organising a vigil where you live, get in touch at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

Women's rights activists in Afghanistan are working to make their voices heard.

The Afghan Women's Network, an organisation working with women's groups around the country, has recently published their position paper with recommendations for the upcoming international conference in Bonn, Germany on the future of Afghanistan to be held on the 5th of December. They have also released the new report UNSCR1325 Implementation on Afghanistan to shed light on the issues facing the women of Afghanistan in the context of conflict and attempts at reconciliation.

More vigils and activities will be held to show support for women's rights in Afghanistan in the weeks approaching Bonn.

Show your support:

Sign the petition and write a letter to your MP to support the rights of Afghan women. You can also download the petition and gather signatures in your area.

View photos of the vigils on our facebook page.

 

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added by Shelagh Daley 03.11.11