The Heat: Women in Afghanistan

The Heat

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Since the Taliban announced a new government in Afghanistan in September, life has been difficult for women and girls. The United Nations says more than 23 million Afghans are facing acute hunger and a million children under the age of five are at risk of dying. Most secondary schools remain closed denying girls a right to an education. Women no longer have a voice in government, the majority is not allowed to work and violence against them is on the rise. The Taliban insist they are not the Taliban of 20-years ago and issued a special degree on “women’s rights” which says women should not be considered property and cannot be forced into marriage.

Joining the discussion:

  • Mahbouba Seraj is the Executive Director of Afghan Women Skills Development Center and a leading advocate for women’s rights.
  • Shaharzad Akbar is the former chair of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission.
  • Sanam Naraghi Anderlini is the Founder and Executive Director of International Civil Society Action Network.
  • Soraya Lennie is an author and journalist based in Kabul.

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