Around the world, women’s rights are under threat, political participation is stalling, and hard-won gains are at risk of being undone. New data shows that during 2024, nearly a quarter of governments worldwide reported a backlash on women’s rights., Nowhere is this clearer than in Afghanistan, where the Taliban’s regressive policies have systematically erased women from public life. And yet, Afghan women continue to stand up for equality, human decency, and inclusion.
They have taught in secret schools so that girls can still learn despite being barred from education beyond the sixth grade. They use social media and the press to share their stories, knowing that speaking out may place them and their families in danger. They protest through poetry, painting, and film, to make sure the world does not forget them. The international release of Bread & Roses, the powerful documentary by Afghan filmmaker Sahra Mani, captured the everyday struggles of Afghan women and their refusal to be silenced in a highly emotive and powerful art form. Their courage is undeniable. But that courage must be met with international support and action.
In an opinion piece published in Project Syndicate in honor of International Women’s Day and the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), our Senior Technical and Program Director, Palwasha Hassan, and Communications Fellow, poet, and activist, Shafiqa Khpalwak, laid out the urgent steps the international community must take to support Afghan women.
- Afghan women refugees facing deportation, particularly in Pakistan, must be provided with permanent pathways to safety. Failure to act puts their lives at risk, as seen in recent protests against forced removals.
- Funding for Afghan women-led initiatives must be restored and expanded so they can continue their advocacy, education, and peacebuilding efforts despite mounting restrictions on their rights.
- Afghan women must have a seat at the table in any political process concerning Afghanistan’s future. Lasting peace is impossible if half the population is excluded from decision-making.
Mina’s List is committed to ensuring Afghan women’s leadership and voices remain at the center of global discussions on gender equality and peacebuilding. As part of this effort, we were proud to partner with ICAN (International Civil Society Network) on "Watan e Ma – Our Homeland", an interactive event and exhibit that took place on March 17 in parallel with the 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69). Through art, storytelling, poetry, film, and teach-ins, the event showcased how Afghan women are preserving their culture, resisting oppression, and leading change even under extreme repression. It is an important reminder that Afghan women are formidable in the face of the Taliban’s regression; they are leaders, educators, and artists who continue to shape Afghanistan’s future. At a time when their voices are being silenced at home, it is more important than ever to listen to them.
This year’s CSW commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. This historic commitment to advancing gender equality was adopted in 1995 and is widely regarded as a watershed moment in the fight for women’s rights. Palwasha’s own memories from the moment the Platform for Action was adopted provide an insight into the optimism many women held in their hearts. She recalls the hope she felt for Afghanistan’s future—one rooted in inclusivity, diversity, and equality. We all know how the story has unfolded, but while Palwasha and many other women have since fled their home country, their vision for a better Afghanistan has never left them.
Three decades later, Afghan women remind us that the struggle is far from over. They are resisting, they are speaking out, and they are demanding action. The question is: will the world listen?
More women leaders means more peace, especially in the most uncertain times. By making a donation to Mina’s List, you can help us build the capacity of women leaders worldwide, advocate for their rights, and protect their safety. Join us in our mission to build just and peaceful societies by standing for and with women leaders.
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