Zan News: A group of protesting women and human rights activists from Afghanistan have sent an open letter to Melania Trump, the First Lady of the United States, urging her to use her influence and power to support the rights of Afghan women. Illustration: Zan TV / AI-generated Protesting Women Urge Melania Trump to Use Her Power and Influence to Support Afghan Women January 29, 2025 Zan News Zan News: A group of protesting women and human rights activists from Afghanistan have sent an open letter to Melania Trump, the First Lady of the United States, urging her to use her influence and power to support the rights of Afghan women. The letter, which was published yesterday, Tuesday (January 28), states that Afghan women are living through one of the darkest periods in the history of their country and that the world should not forget them. In the letter, the women call on Melania Trump to act as the voice of Afghan women and play a key role in garnering international support for them. The protesting women and human rights activists also call for diplomatic and political pressure on the Taliban, support for the education of women and girls, assistance for Afghan refugees—especially female refugees—and support for Afghan women activists abroad. These requests come at a time when, following the rise of Donald Trump in the United States, many of the country's financial aid programs, including those for Afghanistan, have been suspended. Additionally, the Trump administration suspended immigration and asylum programs, including flights for accepted Afghan refugees, and initiated a widespread deportation process for illegal immigrants.

Zan News: The European Union Delegation in Afghanistan, on the occasion of "World Day of Social Justice," has stated that it firmly stands with all Afghans in ensuring justice. Illustration: Zan TV / AI-generated European Union: We Stand with All Afghans in Ensuring Justice February 20, 2025 Zan News Zan News: The European Union Delegation in Afghanistan, on the occasion of "World Day of Social Justice," has stated that it firmly stands with all Afghans in ensuring justice. In a message posted on its X page on Thursday (February 20), the delegation emphasized that social justice is the foundation of peace and stability in human societies. The EU Delegation wrote, "We particularly support the fair and equal rights of Afghan women to education and employment." The Union also called on the people to work together to achieve social justice in the country. It is worth noting that the United Nations, during the 1995 Copenhagen Summit, designated February 20 as World Day of Social Justice. This day is dedicated to organizing efforts to realize the rights of all citizens and combat discrimination, inequality, and the exclusion of social groups in human societies. This comes as, during the more than three years of Taliban rule in Afghanistan, many social groups, especially women and ethnic and religious minorities, have faced injustice and persecution.

Why are our traditions and customs only limited to women? File photo: Marius Arnesen / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 Refusing Marriage for Tribal Women Means Breaking Traditions January 29, 2025 Muhammad Jawad - Pakistan Why are our traditions and customs only limited to women? We, Pashtun tribals women, consider the preservation of our traditions and customs to be part of our faith, but there are some traditions where women face a lot of injustice. One of these is the custom of "Sware." In this tradition, when children are newly born or are still very young, their families arrange their marriage, which in 85% of cases is arranged within the family. This usually involves cousins, maternal cousins, and other relatives. When these children grow up and gain awareness, they are told that their marriage was arranged for them in childhood. This news is distressing for both the boy and the girl. In Afghanistan and Pakistan tribal customs, refusal of marriage is considered almost impossible and is seen as rebellion against tradition and custom. This notion does not exist in these communities, and families do not allow their children to refuse this bond. As a result, very often, for the sake of family traditions, honor, and dignity, marriages are arranged against the will of women. Jamila, an Afghan woman resident Peshawar, Pakistan, who is originally from Kandahar, says, "I was married off in my adolescence and faced many difficulties. When I was 17, I got married. Three years later, my husband married another woman. I have a daughter and I am displaced with my husband." Jamila says that despite these problems, she tries to make her life better. She works for a better future for her daughter and wants her to have the potential for a good future. For her, this journey was very difficult, but her courage and determination have kept her strong. Fajr Bibi, who is from the Gulbahar area of Peshawar, had her marriage arranged during her childhood. She said, "When I was born, my father arranged my marriage to my cousin. She said that such forced marriages rarely succeed. The observation is that in most of these marriages, the married life faces difficulties. They live together out of necessity. Marriage should be a life of harmony and happiness, but in these coercive marriages, the situation is different. Small disagreements begin. To escape these daily struggles, men have the option of second, third, and fourth marriages to make their lives happy, but all avenues are closed to women. If a woman divorces, the thought of what people will say prevents her from taking that step, and her family also creates barriers. She said that even obtaining permission for a second marriage is not a common thing; it is another painful stage where women are deprived of their rights. How long will we remain trapped in the web of these traditions and customs? Why is punishment only for women? Will we follow only traditions and customs, or will we also implement the teachings of Islam, ensuring the full consent of both parties, which is essential in marriage?" Why can’t tribal women marry of their own choice? Tribal girls face countless difficulties when it comes to marriage. Here, a girl's marriage is decided only by the father or the head of the household. A daughter feels like a mere possession. Wherever the father decides to arrange the marriage, the daughter must accept it in any case, as refusal is considered rebellion against tradition. The girl is not consulted beforehand, and even if she is asked, it is at a stage when most of the decision has already been made. The question is asked only to hear a "yes." Child marriage was also common, but this custom is slowly declining. However, child marriages still occur, leading to depression, sexual diseases, and weak offspring. I know of many such cases involving tribal girls, especially in relation to marriage. Some cases have been shared by local women on the condition of anonymity. In the Khyber district of Pakistan, a girl requested to marry of her own choice, which caused an uproar in her home. Her father was furious about this decision and began threatening her in various ways. Faced with mental torture, he tried every possible means to stop his daughter from making this decision, but the girl stood firm on her right to choose. On the other hand, the boy also repeatedly requested the marriage, and several gatherings were held among the family elders. The girl’s father disowned her and, without any traditional customs or ceremonies, handed her over to the boy's family. Surprisingly, there was no flaw or defect in the boy that would justify rejection; the real issue was the father’s refusal to accept the girl’s right to choose, which he was unwilling to accept under any circumstances. This incident shows how tribal and societal customs, under pressure, lead parents to disregard the happiness of their children. A girl from Kandahar had her marriage forcibly arranged with her uncle’s son. The girl strongly objected to this decision, but her family silenced her with the reasoning that everything would be fine after the marriage. However, after the marriage, her life became even worse. In tribal areas, marriage is considered such a binding contract that it is seen as impossible to break. The girl grew weary of these circumstances and attempted suicide several times. On one occasion, she tried to end her life by electrocution, but each time, her life was saved. Her husband remarried, and the torment she endured intensified. He neither gives her a divorce, nor is the girl allowed to seek khula, as the concept of khula does not exist in tribal areas. These agonizing circumstances have worsened the girl’s mental state, and she is now half-mad. A female social worker from Khyber District, Pakistan, said that in tribal areas, women are not considered entitled to inheritance and property. The reason for this is the traditional customs of these regions, according to which a person from another tribe cannot be given a share of the property. Since a woman can marry someone from another tribe, giving her a share of property is considered against tribal customs. The issue of inheritance is a very sensitive and overlooked topic in women’s struggles, and little is said about it. Islam clearly gives women half the share of inheritance that men receive, but this right is not recognized here. In these tribal areas, this is a sensitive and neglected issue, which requires significant attention so that women can be given their basic rights.

Zan News: The Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) is set to hold a roundtable titled "Geopolitics and Women's Rights Activities in Afghanistan." Illustration: Zan TV / AI-generated Peace Research Institute Oslo to Hold Roundtable on Geopolitics and Women's Rights in Afghanistan August 3, 2024 Zan News Zan News: The Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) is set to hold a roundtable titled "Geopolitics and Women's Rights Activities in Afghanistan." A press release issued by the institute states that the roundtable will discuss US policies towards Afghanistan from 2018 to 2021, which facilitated the return of the Taliban. According to the press release, examining the status of women's activities in Afghanistan will also be a key focus of the roundtable. The Peace Research Institute Oslo has stated that this roundtable will be held on August 22. This meeting is being held as the Taliban, since taking power in Afghanistan in August 2021, have deprived women and girls of all their fundamental rights.

Zan News: Michael McCaul, the Chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, reacted to the Taliban's enactment of the "Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice" law by stating, "We cannot forget the millions of women and girls who are suffering under the Taliban." Illustration: Zan TV / AI-generated Michael McCaul: We Cannot Forget the Millions of Women Suffering Under the Taliban August 25, 2024 Zan News Zan News: Michael McCaul, the Chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, reacted to the Taliban's enactment of the "Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice" law by stating, "We cannot forget the millions of women and girls who are suffering under the Taliban." These remarks were published on the House Foreign Affairs Committee's X account. McCaul criticized the Biden-Harris administration's policies on Afghanistan, emphasizing that their "hollow" promises to help Afghan women have allowed the "Taliban regime" to escalate their attacks on women, even going so far as to prohibit them from showing their eyes in public. He noted that when the Biden-Harris administration abandoned the people of Afghanistan, the Taliban were emboldened to dismantle decades of progress in protecting the rights of women and girls. McCaul further added, "The international community must remain firm in not recognizing the Taliban." This reaction comes as the Taliban's Ministry of Justice recently announced that the group's leader has enacted the "Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice" law, which is now in effect. This law mandates that women must cover their entire bodies, and it states that a woman's voice is considered part of her "aura" (private parts). According to this law, women's clothing must not be short, thin, or tight, and when leaving the house, women must cover their faces, voices, and bodies. The law also imposes extensive restrictions on the appearance of men, prohibiting them from shaving or trimming their beards. Additionally, the Taliban have banned listening to music and watching films and pictures of living beings on computers and mobile phones, with various punishments imposed on those who violate the law.

Zan News: Penny Wong, the Australian Foreign Minister, expressed her deep concern about the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan during a press conference in New York. She emphasized that Afghanistan’s peaceful future depends on the full participation of women and girls in all areas of society. Illustration: Zan TV / AI-generated Australian Foreign Minister: Afghanistan’s Peaceful Future Depends on Full Participation of Women September 25, 2024 Zan News Zan News: Penny Wong, the Australian Foreign Minister, expressed her deep concern about the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan during a press conference in New York. She emphasized that Afghanistan’s peaceful future depends on the full participation of women and girls in all areas of society. Ms. Wong said, “Without the participation of women, Afghanistan will not achieve peace and stability.” She also stressed that Australia stands with Afghan women and girls and is inspired by their courage. It is worth mentioning that António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, also spoke about the situation of women in Afghanistan during his speech at the UN meeting in New York on Monday. He stated that Afghan women and girls are facing a deep crisis of “discrimination and oppression” based on gender. Guterres referred to the new Taliban law on the promotion of virtue and prevention of vice, which was passed last month, saying that this law formalizes the systematic exclusion of women and girls from public life. The Australian Foreign Minister’s support for Afghan women’s rights comes as the Taliban, after taking power in Afghanistan, have imposed severe restrictions on women and girls. Over the past three years, women and girls have been deprived of their most basic rights, including education and work, by this group. Additionally, the Taliban have recently enacted regulations under the title of the Law on the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, which has further affected the lives of women and girls. The international community has repeatedly called for the lifting of these restrictions, but the Taliban have so far ignored these requests.

Zan News: Malala Yousafzai, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and women's rights activist, recently announced her participation in the international conference on girls' education in Pakistan and emphasized that the Taliban must be held accountable for their crimes against Afghan women and girls. Illustration: Zan TV / AI-generated Malala Yousafzai: The Taliban Must Be Held Accountable for Their Crimes Against Afghan Women January 11, 2025 Zan News Zan News: Malala Yousafzai, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and women's rights activist, recently announced her participation in the international conference on girls' education in Pakistan and emphasized that the Taliban must be held accountable for their crimes against Afghan women and girls. Yousafzai wrote on her X page on Friday (10 January): "I am excited about my participation in this conference. On Sunday, I will speak about supporting the rights of all girls to go to school and why leaders must hold the Taliban accountable for their crimes against Afghan women and girls." This international conference, aimed at addressing the challenges and opportunities of girls' education in Muslim communities, is set to host figures from around the world, with Malala Yousafzai being one of the main speakers. Meanwhile, Pakistani authorities have stated that the Taliban has been invited to attend the conference, but the group has not yet reacted regarding their participation or absence from the event.

Zan News: Following recent political upheaval in Bangladesh, around 600 Afghan female students residing in the country are facing an uncertain future. File photo: Sgt. Ken Scar / DVIDS / Public Domain Uncertain Fate of Afghan Female Students in Bangladesh Following Political Upheaval August 6, 2024 Zan News Zan News: Following recent political upheaval in Bangladesh, around 600 Afghan female students residing in the country are facing an uncertain future. Sources from the Afghan citizens in Bangladesh reported on Monday (5 August) that these Afghan female students are extremely worried about their security. According to these sources, the students have been unable to communicate with their families for several days due to an internet outage, and currently, there are no diplomatic channels available to address their challenges. The sources added that these students cannot return to Afghanistan as they fear the Taliban will prevent their return. These reports come as Sheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, resigned and left the country yesterday following a month of violent student protests. The protests initially began over the allocation of government job quotas but gradually turned violent, resulting in the deaths of over 270 people in the country.

Zan News: Meryl Streep, the famous Hollywood actress, stated at a United Nations meeting on the situation of women in Afghanistan that "in this country, a cat has more rights than a woman." Illustration: Zan TV / AI-generated Meryl Streep: In Afghanistan, "Cats Have More Rights Than Women" September 24, 2024 Zan News Zan News: Meryl Streep, the famous Hollywood actress, stated at a United Nations meeting on the situation of women in Afghanistan that "in this country, a cat has more rights than a woman." SBS News reported today, Tuesday (September 24), that Streep emphasized in this meeting that "the situation prevailing in today’s Afghan society is alarming for the world." According to the report, Streep made these remarks to draw the attention of world leaders to the problems faced by women in Afghanistan and added: "In the current era, Afghan girls are deprived of going to school and universities by the Taliban. A cat may be able to appear freely in society and feel the sun on its face, but the Taliban have made Afghanistan a hell for women and, based on their religious beliefs, have deprived them of participating in society." The Hollywood actress also said: "A bird may sing in Kabul, but a girl cannot raise her voice." These remarks come as the Taliban, after taking power in Afghanistan, have imposed severe restrictions on women and girls in the country. Over the past three years, women and girls in Afghanistan have been deprived of their most basic rights, including education and work, by this group. Additionally, the Taliban, continuing their restrictions on the freedom and rights of Afghan citizens, have recently enacted regulations under the title of the "Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice". This newly enacted law, which has mostly affected the lives of women and girls, has faced widespread reactions at both national and international levels.

Zan News: The sixth "Moscow Format" meeting on Afghanistan concluded, with participants emphasizing the need for an inclusive and moderate government in Afghanistan to protect the rights and interests of the people of this country, especially women, girls, and ethnic groups. Illustration: Zan TV / AI-generated Sixth Moscow Format Meeting Concludes with Emphasis on Protecting Rights of Afghan Women and Girls October 6, 2024 Zan News Zan News: The sixth "Moscow Format" meeting on Afghanistan concluded, with participants emphasizing the need for an inclusive and moderate government in Afghanistan to protect the rights and interests of the people of this country, especially women, girls, and ethnic groups. The meeting was held on Friday (October 4) in Moscow with the participation of special representatives from China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan and concluded the following day. In the final statement of the meeting, participants expressed deep concern about the security situation related to terrorism in Afghanistan and emphasized that the presence of terrorist and separatist groups in the country remains a serious threat to global and regional security. Therefore, the need to strengthen counterterrorism cooperation at bilateral and multilateral levels was stressed. Participants also called on the Taliban authorities to create the necessary conditions to improve the welfare of the Afghan people, prevent further migration, and facilitate the return of refugees. On the other hand, the meeting appreciated Iran and Pakistan for hosting millions of Afghan refugees and called on the international community and donors to increase their assistance. The statement emphasized the importance of regional frameworks in improving Afghanistan's economy and the commitment of countries responsible for the current situation of this country to its development and reconstruction. At the same time, the international community was called upon to continue providing humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan and to refrain from politicizing this aid.