The Exclusion Of Afghan Women From Peace Talks Is A Threat To Sustainability

A report released by Oxfam expressed concern over the future of Afghan women’s rights under the Taliban. The report states that in the 23 rounds of peace talks that have occurred since 2005, no Afghan women were present during the negotiations.

“Negotiations and peace talks to date have taken place predominantly behind closed doors and without Afghan women’s knowledge, input or involvement”

As reported by The Guardian, the main concern is that Afghan women will again be stripped of their rights, much like they were during the period 1996-2001 when their women were denied basic rights such as education.

“When the Taliban were in power, girls were not allowed to go to school, women were banned from leaving their homes without a male chaperone, not allowed to work and obliged to wear the head-to-toe-covering burqa.”

According to The Guardian, Oxfam has reported that since 2002, the rights of Afghan women have greatly increased, allowing them access to some of the freedoms they are entitled to. The report states that almost 40 percent of students enrolled in school are girls, and the life expectancy of Afghan women’s has increased from 56 to 62 years. Afghan women are still, however, not being included in the decision making process.

In an interview with Reuters, a spokesman for the Taliban assured that women would soon hold their rightful place in government, and they were even in favor and anticipation of this happening. Before Afghan women can have their voices heard, however, the troops would first have to leave.

“If invasion is over and Afghans have a chance to build their own system, then each and every individual, man and woman, in this country can play a role in it.”

In October, The Inquisitr reported on Emma Watson’s fight for feminism, which she points out is really a fight for the freedom to choose. In her moving speech, Emma pointed out the importance of women’s rights, as well as the need for both genders to be represented and for both genders to be free.

Oxfam, in its report, stated that without the involvement of Afghan women in peace talks, peace would be unsustainable. “All parties must recognize that it is only peace efforts that include and protect women that have any chance of succeeding in the long term.”

[Image via The Guardian]