Women’s Political Participation Network Calls Yalda Night a Symbol of Hope, Resistance, and Solidarity for Afghan Women

The members stated, "Yalda Night symbolizes family unity and is an opportunity to reflect on the situation of Afghan women and girls. While others celebrate and enjoy, we are still striving for our basic rights. This night should be a symbol of hope for better days and equality for all women."

During the gathering, they compared Afghanistan’s situation with Syria, adding, "The Taliban have taken failure from the people and the world, and they will never gain legitimacy. If we compare Afghanistan to Syria, more than 8 million people have become refugees since the Taliban took power, while millions of Syrians have returned to their country. Syria has not imposed restrictions on women, but the Taliban, with all their strength and power, are intent on erasing women from society."

The members of the network also emphasized, "Despite the severe deprivation faced by Afghan women and girls under the Taliban, the world has left us alone. We gather here today to repeat that we will never surrender and will continue our struggle. We celebrate Yalda Night to let the world know that Afghan women are making history. This situation will not last. The repressive policies of the Taliban, like the longest nights of the year, will eventually come to an end."

They noted, "The situation in Afghanistan is becoming more complicated by the day. The international community must realize that ten years from now, Afghanistan will be an illiterate, sick, mentally troubled society, plagued by poverty and a safe haven for terrorists."

The members of the network called on the international community to recognize gender apartheid in Afghanistan and to pay attention to the fundamental rights of Afghan women, including the right to education and employment.