Afghan Women: Achievements and Setbacks in Contemporary Afghanistan
Written by: Marcia de Abreu Rodrigues
September 30, 2022 was the date chosen by WFWP Europe and WFWP Spain to celebrate the International Day of Peace with a joint event on “Afghan Women: Achievements and Setbacks in Contemporary Afghanistan.”
Speakers reviewed the past and present situations, past achievements and current setbacks from various perspectives, trying to offer positive solutions and calling for international support in order to bring into reality the suggested proposals to their agendas.
Introducing the program, Ms. Marcia de Abreu, President of WFWP Spain, gave an overview of the changes that have occurred in Afghanistan since the American troops left the country in 2021. Since 2021, she explained, the levels of progress in human rights and opportunities that had developed over the past 20 years in the country were being reversed, banished or barred.
Dr. Sakena Yacoobi, Founder of the Afghan Institute of Learning, then made an excellent presentation via video. Her words were grounded in hard work and experience. She insisted on the importance of education for the progress of a society. She expressed her admiration for the Afghan women and desire for them to be educated and to learn how to negotiate the improvement of Afghanistan with love, compassion and wisdom as “in this way they can become the change makers for peace.” Dr. Yacoobi also highlighted the resilience with which they continue to live.
Hon. Ms. Farkhuna Naderi, Member of the Afghan Parliament (2010-2015) led the audience through the phases of democracy in Afghanistan’s contemporary history, showing clearly how after each period of progress, a period of setbacks followed. Showing a space for hope, a hope based on the effort the Afghan society is willing to make in order to defend its rights, she expressed the need for consistent work for peace and called on the support of the international community.
Ms. Frohar Poya, Project Officer for the European Network of Migrant Women, spoke with heartfelt sadness and frustration of the late school bombing in Afghanistan. She believes there are leaders both inside and outside Afghanistan who can move forward the agenda of justice and gender equality in the present day.
Ms. Nigin Sanan, an Afghan activist, spoke with awareness of the fear, anger and profound sense of loss that pervade the daily lives of Afghan women. She stated that she is ready to speak in defense of the women in her country and that she hopes that young women especially will be able to pursue careers in fields such as athletics, technology and entrepreneurship.
Ms. Teresa Nevado Bueno, Secretary General of the European Lobby of Women in Spain, highlighted the importance of governments and NGOs in attending to the serious needs of the Afghan women, both in Afghanistan and abroad. She called for good planning, logistics and a sincere joint effort by all to help guarantee their lives and future.
Mrs. Marilyn Angelucci, President of WFWP Afghanistan, made a wonderful summary of what had been said that afternoon and offered her personal contribution that added much depth to what had already been discussed. Based on her own experience in Afghanistan, as the President of WFWP Afghanistan, she shared about the amazing list of projects carried on by the organization, until it became dangerous to remain in the country. She also expressed that their efforts for the Afghan people are being made in New Delhi now.
To conclude the event, Mrs. de Abreu, remarked that, from what had been discussed, it seemed the Afghan women, despite their current deprived situation, are hopeful and wish to continue pushing for a dignified place in their society. Their resilience is unbreakable and they are ready to do anything in their power to keep Afghanistan together, with heart, soul and intellect. An appeal was made to the governments and organizations not to forget the Afghan women and society. She called for all to “remember our sisters in Afghanistan and offer them all the support they need.”
