The once remarkable gains in protecting and promoting equality between women and men in Afghanistan are now facing their most serious challenges.
Two questions must be asked: Are the emerging challenges to women's rights an indication of an overall backslide in security and stability in Afghanistan? Is this evidence of women's rights being negotiated away as part of the peace and reconciliation process?
Over the course of a decade and through the administrations of two presidents of different political parties, the United States has maintained a consistent commitment to support the women of Afghanistan through the U.S.-Afghan Women's Council (USAWC).
For Afghan women, the act of fleeing domestic abuse, forced prostitution or even being stabbed repeatedly with a screwdriver by an abusive husband, may land them in jail while their abusers walk free, Human Rights Watch said.
As Afghan-U.S. relations continue to deteriorate, it's hard to imagine that the two nations can find political common ground. But the language of business is a common one. Stronger business (coupled with innovation) is a powerful driver for peace.
Around the world, political power still comes with a price for women who seek it.
But some face tougher challenges than others. Take Sri Lankan politician Salma Hamza, for example. Twice, opposition members have lobbed fuel bombs at her vehicle.
KABUL: Women members of an Afghan government council charged with seeking reconciliation with the Taliban have been sidelined from main consultations and are trying to forge a united voice within the council, one of the members said.
The 70-member High Peace Council, which has been struggling to carve out a role in the negotiations since the assassination of its chief, Burhanuddin Rabbani, last year, has nine women.
Rights groups are becoming increasingly concerned that the Afghan government is willing to surrender women's rights to advance peace negotiations with the Taliban.
The women of Afghanistan are amazing. Despite decades of continuous warfare, they remain determined to build a society based on equal rights. They are, ultimately, the best hope for peace in the region.
“There was a piercing cry, then nothing,” says Jamila, large tears welling up in her dark eyes. “They were beating her legs with a long metal pipe.
Today, Ambassador Eklil Hakimi spoke at a panel discussion titled, Women, Peace and Security in Afghanistan: Prospects on the Way Forward.
The women of Afghanistan are amazing. Despite decades of continuous warfare, they remain determined to build a society based on equal rights. They are, ultimately, the best hope for peace in the region.