The Shahmama Organization hosted a special session with Baroness Helena Kennedy on May 14th, dedicated to addressing the situation of women in Afghanistan. This event brought together international human rights activists from various countries and prominent Afghan women’s rights advocates.
Baroness Helena Kennedy highlighted findings on gender apartheid, conducted by a panel of UK parliamentarians, which focused on the systematic oppression of women in Afghanistan.
- Lack of International Recognition of Gender Apartheid
The current international legal framework including the apartheid convention does not recongnize gender apartheid, The convention focuses on racial oppression with no references to gender oppression.
- Systematic Oppression in Afghanistan
Afghan women face severe restrictions under the Taliban including:
- Denial of freedom of speech, association and education
- Exclusion from participation in legal, political and media institutions
- Maintenance of second-class citizenship status
- Distinction Between Gender Persecution and Discrimination
- Gender persecution involves institutionalized regime of domination, going beyond mere discrimination
Recommendation to Overcome Barriers
- Recognize Gender Apartheid
- Define and recognize gender apartheid as a distinct legal concept to address systematic gender oppression
- International Legal Action
- Include gender persecution in international conversations on crimes against humanity
- Amend the Rome Statute to include gender apartheid as prosecutable crime
- Public Condemnation and Accountability
- Publicly condemn the treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan
- Call for international accountability for human rights violations in these regions
- Support and Advocacy
- Provide safe routes for women at risk, recognize current difficulties in securing safety
- Engage with diaspora communities and international advocates to amplify the voices of affected women
Baroness Helena also emphasised the importance of Education as a crucial starting point for change. Afghan women deprived of education are denied the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Education empowers women and challenges traditional roles. Ensuring access to quality education for women is vital for national progress and individual empowerment.
The inquiry emphasises the urgent need for a new legal framework to address gender apartheid. Recognizing and defining this form of oppression is critical for holding perpetrators accountable and ensuring the human rights of women and girls in Afghanistan. The report calls for international cooperation and persistent advocacy to achieve these goals.
