TLHRC Hosts Hearing on Women in Afghanistan

For several months,  WAND had been working hard with our friends in Congress, fellow advocates, and the co-authors of the study “Afghan Women Speak” to help to organize a Congressional hearing on women in Afghanistan .

This morning, our efforts were finally seen into fruition!  The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission (TLHRC) hosted a hearing titled “Women in Afghanistan” today for a full room. Several members of Congress were in attendance, including WAND/WiLL Woman Rep. Jan Schakowsky, a member of the Commission, who asked several provocative questions.

Ten years after the overthrow of the Taliban, Afghan women are increasingly finding their rights and freedoms under threat. As Afghan women continue to endure challenges, it is essential that their interests are considered and that they are actively involved in shaping a more peaceful future for Afghanistan.

This hearing examined the impact of the conflict on women, addressing political reconciliation with the Taliban and the implications for women; U.S. humanitarian aid projects affecting women, and the recent attacks on women’s shelters. Witnesses included: Rina Amiri, senior advisor on Afghanistan for the Office of the Special Representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan, U.S. Department of State; Donald Steinberg, deputy administrator, U.S. Agency for International Development; Joanne Sandler, deputy director, UN Women; David Cortright, director of policy studies, Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, University of Notre Dame; and the Honorable Marzia Basel, founder and director, Afghan Women’s Judges Association.

Today’s TLHRC Hearing reiterated our belief that women’s equality in Afghanistan is a nonnegotiable and essential requirement for peace and security.  As one panelist stated, “No peace can be stable unless women are engaged.”

For more information:

• Read WAND's summary of Afghan Women Speak.
• Read the blog post written by Elaina Ramsey, WAND Field Coordinator "Listening to Afghan Women"