Rights group urges women’s participation in peace talks

Monitoring Desk

KABUL: The Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) on Sunday, marking International Women’s Day, held a book fair at Kabul University.

The women who participated at the fair said that International Women’s day is a historic opportunity to overcome social and political problems.

The head of the AIHRC warned that peace will not be possible without women’s participation.

“Without the meaningful participation of women, the peace talks will not bring lasting peace. Meaningful participation means that women should have decision-making roles in the peace deal,” said Shahrzad Akbar, Head of AIHRC.

Both men and women came to the book sale.

“I am very happy for the exhibition. Indeed, the exhibition supports us, but it is not enough,” said Zahra Siyas, a student of Kabul University.

Music was another part of the event.

Some female students of Kabul University said that sliding backwards and losing human rights is not acceptable.

“Women have progressed in higher education and business over the past years. We want the progress to continue–it should not stop,” said Salma Sabat, a student at Kabul university.

The United Nations (UN) issued a statement for International Women’s Day urging for women’s participation in the peace talks.

Women form half of the society, they have also achieved many gains since the ousting of the former Taliban regime, said women’s affairs analysts.(TOLOnews)