As the world reflects upon the tenth anniversary of the United States War in Afghanistan, it has become increasingly clear that strides made to secure Afghan women’s rights, in education, economic and political representation, remain precarious. Drawing on support from world leaders, NGOs, and international institutions, Afghan women continue to fight to make gender equality a priority alongside peace in their country.
Read more about why women in Afghanistan face an uncertain future, and help promote gender equality around the globe by signing La Pietra Coalition’s petition to ensure that women’s rights are on the agenda at the G20 summit.
"In response to a demand for qualified Afghan engineers, Kabul University hosted an intensive five-month Mentor Protégé Training Program with 10 female fourth year university students. Four of the ten students celebrate here after completing the program March 16, 2011." Credit: USAID
“(WNN) KABUL: On the tenth anniversary of the U.S. war in Afghanistan, a new October 3, 2011 Oxfam report on progress for Afghan women shows steady advances for Afghan women since October 2001. But recent data shows women’s personal safety, opportunity and human rights inside the nation are beginning to erode back to conditions that existed previously.
With May 2011 being the deadliest month for Afghan civilian casualties since 2007. opinions inside and outside the country on the war in Afghanistan have been mixed. Many women in the region worry they will be left behind as international peace talks accelerate toward the proposed U.S. military campaign ‘end’ date in 2014.
Oxfam warns that women’s “hard-won gains remain fragile.” Numerous gains have begun to see reversals says Oxfam’s recent October report, “A Place at the Table – Safeguarding women’s rights in Afghanistan.”
“Women want peace but not at the cost of losing our freedom again,” says Noorjahan Akbar, co-founder of Young Women for Change.
The changes for women in the past decade are evident but still show disparity between those women who have more opportunity and those who have little to no ability to jump through the wall of poverty. Those who may be granted a chance to speak at the table with peace talks are the same ones who have gained more education that enables them to push forward with gains for women.”
Continue reading here.
