Advocacy by Women in Exile; Activists Call for the Restoration of Women’s Rights in Afghanistan

Sent to ZAN TV

A number of Afghan activists in Pakistan have emphasised the continuation of efforts to restore the rights of women in Afghanistan during an advocacy event.

The programme was held on Wednesday (22 April) and was attended by several civil and political figures.

The event was organised by the New Generation Network for Change and the Free Movement in Exile, with participants including Shukria Barakzai, Abdullah Ahmadi and a representative of the International Organization for Migration in Quetta.

Monesa Mobarez, founder of the New Generation Network for Change, said at the event that migration is not a choice but a compulsion, and that it can serve as a platform to raise the voices of Afghan women.

Shukria Barakzai, a former member of Afghanistan’s House of Representatives, said that women today are more aware than ever of the importance of education, self reliance and participation, and must stand with courage for change.

Speakers at the event highlighted the exclusion of women from political structures, social restrictions and the deprivation of girls from education.

Participants in the meeting called for continued advocacy and joint efforts to restore women’s rights.

This comes as, following the Taliban’s return to power, women in Afghanistan have faced widespread restrictions in education, work and social participation.