Despite the prolonged conflict in Afghanistan, there was a seemingly improving economic and social situation before it was halted and completely reversed since the removal of international security forces and rapid Taliban takeover of the former Afghan Government in 2021. Currently, the fundamental and internationally recognized rights and freedoms of all women in Afghanistan are severely limited by the Taliban regime, even after facing gender-based discrimination and violence prior to the takeover.

According to an UNESCO publication, 80% of school-aged Afghan girls and young women, amounting to 2.5 million people, are out of school, with 30% not even entering primary education institutions. The UN considers these issues to not fulfill two of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs) being number 5) Gender Equality and 4) Quality Education. 

We spoke with the NGO International Media Support (IMS) organization based here in Copenhagen, Denmark, a journalist support organization having numerous offices across a wide range of countries, and the Danish Afghan Women Forum (DAKDIF). After getting in touch with one of the members, Tahmina Salik, we were invited for both a documentary screening of “In Her Hands” at the UN City, a movie about the story of Zarifa Ghafari who, as a 26 year-old-woman, became one of Afghanistan’s first female mayors and the youngest ever to hold this position. A discussion afterwards with her as a keynote speaker, along with Alison Davidian, UN Women Representative, Afghanistan and Tahmina Salik as Chairperson, DAKDIF and Diaspora Forum. 

We highly recommend reading and supporting their cause by reading about their publications, events, conferences, considering a small donation or even discussing this topic with friends and family.

With the privileges that come from being in an international school, we are grateful to have the opportunity to make such a prominent issue in today’s society known to a wider audience. We know that what constitutes the perfect member of CIS is the determination and ambition for volunteering and providing aid for those less fortunate around the world. The issue of the suppression of women in Afghanistan is one that should not be undermined in comparison to greater advertised global issues today. We would like to bring light to it and influence the rest of the CIS community to further contribute to making the position of women in this world a better and safer place.

Thank you for taking your time to read thus far, and we would greatly appreciate all your support to publicize this international and on-going issue to continue giving women all across the world a voice worthy of acknowledgment. Have a great day!

Yours sincerely,

Philip Okkels and Mathilde Thal