RASC News Agency: The United Nations convened a high-profile session on Thursday titled “From Afghanistan to New York: Afghanistani Women Demand Concrete Action.” The discussion focused on the severe challenges and restrictions imposed on women and girls by the Taliban. Held on the sidelines of the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, the event brought together representatives from various nations, international advocates, and Afghanistani women leaders. Nargis Nehan, former Minister of Mines and Petroleum, underscored the unwavering resistance of Afghanistani women against Taliban oppression. She criticized the international community for failing to provide the diplomatic and financial support that Afghanistani women rightfully deserve. Nehan further emphasized that over the past three years, the Taliban have systematically dismantled women’s rights, rolling back decades of hard-earned progress.
“Afghanistan remains one of the world’s most complex crises, plagued by overlapping challenges,” Nehan stated. “The most pressing issue is the systemic and institutionalized discrimination against women, which has stripped them of their dignity, economic independence, healthcare access, and their rightful role in society.” Nasir Ahmad Faiq, acting representative of Afghanistan at the United Nations, highlighted the Taliban’s systematic erasure of women from public life since August 2021. “What we are witnessing is an unprecedented regression in women’s rights, one that continues to escalate,” he said. “Yet, amidst this grim reality, one thing remains undeniable: the unbreakable resilience of Afghanistani women, both within the country and in exile. They continue to resist and fight for their fundamental rights.”
Suela Janina, Albania’s representative at the UN, stressed that Afghanistani women need more than symbolic gestures they need decisive action. “You have our solidarity,” she affirmed. “But what you need is action. Those negotiating with the Taliban must make this a non-negotiable condition: there will be no progress without women at the table and their voices being heard.” Amy Furuya, Director General for International Organizations and Human Rights at Global Affairs Canada, echoed this sentiment, stating that despite unimaginable hardships, Afghanistani women both inside the country and in exile remain at the forefront of the struggle for freedom, equality, and human dignity.
