In 2001, the protection of women’s rights from the Taliban was used as a justification to invade Afghanistan.
10 years on, women’s rights are being compromised, as women’s demands are ignored and their presence is excluded from peace negotiations. The very negotiations that aim to decide their futures.
On Monday 31st October, women and men across the country will gather to hold vigils as they stand in solidarity with the women’s rights activists of Afghanistan. They ask the Foreign Secretary to remember and consider that without women involved, there will be no peace.
Why the 31st October? The 31st October is the anniversary of UN Resolution 1325 that:
- Affirms the importance of women in peace making initiatives
- Urges member states to keep women fully involved in conflict resolutions and the peace making process
"Later this year, William Hague will attend an international conference that will decide what happens next for peace in Afghanistan. We ask him to respect the UN Resolution. We ask him to urge his colleagues to proactively ensure that Afghan women are involved and have a voice in the negotiations that will decide the future of their country. The 31st October will see women and men gathering across the country to tell William Hague: DON’T TRADE AWAY WOMEN’S RIGHTS IN AFGHANISTAN."
Event details:
- Location: Pero’s Bridge, Bristol City Centre
- Demo gathers at 5.30pm, press photo call at 6pm
- Monday 31st October
- Wear green scarves, in solidarity with Afghan women’s rights activists.
- Press contact: Sian Norris sianm.norris@googlemail.com
- More info: http://www.bristolfeministnetwork.com/
text (c) Bristol Feminist Network press release
