Virtual Panel of Women’s Rights Activists

As part of our 2020 annual symposium -- being held virtually this year -- CW4WAfghan is pleased to present: 

Never Go Back: Afghan women’s rights in the unfolding Intra-Afghan talks

A virtual panel of women’s rights activists

Since the 2001 overthrow of the Taliban, women in Afghanistan have exhibited exceptional resilience, and made incredible strides in advocating for and exercising their rights in the areas of education, politics, journalism and public life. Their continued strength and bravery have demonstrated that Afghan women will never go back. However, with the US brokered peace talks having recently begun, there is a real risk that these hard fought rights could be diminished or even lost, as a trade-off during the peace process negotiations between the parties to the conflict: the Afghan Government, the Taliban, and the United States. Unless the parties agree to firm commitments to women’s participation and protection of their long-term rights, the hard-fought gains made since 2001 hang in the balance.

This panel of activists and allies will provide an overview of the status of women’s rights in today’s Afghanistan, what is at stake in the current Intra-Afghan talks, and what the international community, including grassroots women’s rights activists, can and should do to support Afghan women. Join us to hear an update from those at the centre of this critical crossroads for the future of women and girls in Afghanistan.

Featuring: 

Eleanor Smeal, President and a cofounder of the Feminist Majority Foundation

Wazhma Frogh, Founder of the Women & Peace Studies Organization

Farangies Shah, United Nations Program Officer

Shaharzad Akbar, Chairperson of The Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission 

Sahar Halaimzai, co-founder of Time4RealPeace

Click the document below to read the full bios of the panelists. 

CW4WAfghan members are invited to submit questions for the panelists to address in advance of the panel, on October 9th. Send questions to: symposium@cw4wafghan.ca

The pre-recorded panel will be released here on October 9th. To be notified, make sure you are subscribed to our mailing list.