Efforts for Women’s Rights Being Made, But More Needed: Mujahid

Coinciding with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the Islamic Emirate announced its commitment to ensuring women’s rights in Afghanistan.

Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, told that over the past three years, the Islamic Emirate has made significant efforts to safeguard women’s rights in the country. However, Mujahid acknowledged that these efforts are not sufficient and stressed the need for further work in this area.

He stated: “Other entities are also active in various areas, both in the provinces and the center, raising awareness among women about their rights, addressing their legal concerns, and hearing their complaints. We are trying our best overall, but it is not enough. More efforts are needed, especially to address challenges in remote and rural areas where intervention is essential.”

“The Islamic Emirate must address the demands of the Afghan people, particularly women, reopen schools and universities, and listen to the demands of women who want to fulfill their responsibilities to their country and themselves,” said Tafsir Siyahpoosh, a women’s rights activist.

Meanwhile, several United Nations officials have called for immediate action to end violence against women in Afghanistan on this occasion.

Roza Otunbayeva, Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Afghanistan, stressed the need for urgent action to end violence against women and girls in Afghanistan. In a statement, UNAMA quoted Otunbayeva as saying: “We are at a critical juncture for the women and girls of Afghanistan. We need urgent action for justice to end violence against women and girls in Afghanistan.”

Additionally, the UN’s special representative for women in Afghanistan called for increased international support for women and emphasized investing in women’s empowerment.

Alison Davidian, the Special Representative for UN Women in Afghanistan, said: “The fact that Afghan women and girls have less rights today than generations ago is a devastating reminder of the urgency of their struggle and the need for the international community to double down our efforts to stand with them, investing in their resilience, leadership and empowerment.” 

“If UNAMA were truly interested and concerned about Afghan women’s situation, they would have undertaken practical actions inside Afghanistan based on the current realities to shape their destiny,” said Lamia Shirzi, another women’s rights activist.

Meanwhile, Amnesty International announced its 16-day global campaign against gender-based violence, which will conclude on December 10, coinciding with International Human Rights Day.