A United Nations meeting on Thursday, titled “From Afghanistan to New York: Afghan Women Calling for Action,” focused on the continued restrictions and challenges Afghan women and girls face under Taliban rule.
The event, held on the sidelines of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), was attended by representatives of various countries as well as Afghan women activists.
Nargis Nehan, former minister of mines and petroleum, said Afghan women have remained resilient despite Taliban suppression. However, she criticized the international community for failing to provide the diplomatic and financial support they deserve.
“The Taliban have rolled back Afghan women’s rights by decades in just three years,” Nehan said.
She described Afghanistan as one of the world’s most complex crises, where systematic and institutionalized discrimination against women continues to strip them of their dignity, livelihoods, and ability to contribute to society.
Naseer Ahmad Faiq, Afghanistan’s chargé d’affaires at the UN, said that since the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021, Afghan women have been systematically erased from public life.
“This unprecedented rollback of rights continues to intensify,” Faiq said. “But despite this dire situation, Afghan women—both inside the country and in exile—have demonstrated unwavering resilience. They continue to resist oppression and advocate for their fundamental rights.”
Suela Janina, Albania’s UN envoy, emphasized that Afghan women need more than just solidarity.
“You already have it,” Janina said. “What you need is action. Those engaging with the Taliban must make it a condition that women are part of the talks. There is no real progress without their presence and voices being heard.”
Emi Furuya, Director General of International Organizations and Human Rights at Global Affairs Canada, praised Afghan women for continuing to lead the fight for freedom, equality, and human dignity despite immense challenges.
