RASC News Agency: On Wednesday, December 25, the Organization for the Support of Civil Society and Afghanistani Journalists in Iran hosted an event titled “Evening of Dialogue and Poetry” in Tehran. The program was attended by poets, writers, journalists, civil society activists, and artists, aiming to shed light on the plight of Afghanistani girls denied access to education under the current regime in Afghanistan. The event’s primary purpose was to preserve hope among the younger generation, particularly girls who have been forcibly excluded from educational opportunities.
Naveed Azizi, a member of the organization’s leadership council, stated, “In the contemporary world, education is the cornerstone of development and societal progress. However, in certain regions, doors to schools and higher education remain closed, particularly to women and girls. This deprivation not only stunts individual potential but perpetuates cycles of poverty, ignorance, and social regression.” Azizi further elaborated, “This evening of dialogue and poetry serves as a unifying platform where poets, writers, cultural activists, and journalists leverage the power of words to challenge ignorance and injustice. The objective is not merely to protest against these imposed restrictions but to inspire hope and foster a vision for a brighter future.”
He stressed that the event symbolized an opportunity to voice the struggles, aspirations, and resilience of those striving for freedom, education, and justice. “No wall can obstruct the light of knowledge, and no restriction can suppress the soaring spirit of humanity,” Azizi concluded. Omid Pouya, President of the Federation of Exiled Afghanistani Journalists, described the event as a source of renewed hope for rekindling the flame of knowledge and enlightenment for Afghanistani girls. “For every extinguished flame, a path for the sun is created,” Pouya remarked. “The Taliban have systematically undermined women’s fundamental rights, denying them education and institutionalizing gender apartheid under the guise of governance. Such actions constitute grave violations of human rights.”
Pouya emphasized the urgent need to support Afghanistani girls, urging them to remain steadfast in their pursuit of education and empowerment, despite the oppressive circumstances. Nouria Ekhlaas, a member of the women’s leadership council of the organization, also addressed the gathering. She stated, “As Afghanistani civil society activists and journalists living in exile under challenging conditions in Iran, we once again urge the international community to address our dire situation with utmost seriousness.” Ekhlaas highlighted the lack of sufficient support from international organizations dedicated to protecting journalists, underscoring the precarious circumstances faced by Afghanistan media professionals in Iran.
The organization has consistently organized programs in Iran to advocate for Afghanistani women and highlight their enduring struggles, reaffirming its commitment to their empowerment and education.
