Author: Sayed Hussain Hussainy

Some researchers believe that although women’s rights have become part of political and social literature, it is usually treated as a project.In an interview with the Civil Society and Human Rights Network (hereafter referred to as “Network”), Mr. Dehzad said that fulfilling promises with regards to women’s rights should be a priority. He added that many organizations are established for protecting women’s rights, but have not been able to address women’s problems. The main reason is that these organizations have been treating women’s rights as projects rather than process.Network: Given the ongoing peace talks and the issue of women, what issues should be addressed with regards to women?Dehzad: First, the issue of the meaningful presence of women should be seriously considered. Second, if the issue of women’s rights and the implementation of commitments with regards to these rights are not discussed directly with the Taliban, discussions after the peace talks’ conclusion will be ineffective. The Taliban claim that they consider women’s rights within the framework of Islamic law, but one has to ask on what basis this framework is set. Is it based on the Quran or the behavior and beliefs of the Taliban? The Taliban have their interpretation of women’s rights which does not conform with any Islamic country. Therefore, these arguments should be presented clearly and explicitly, not in the form of general issues that need to be interpreted.Network: What effect does the presence of women in the peace process have on the position of the Taliban?Dehzad: There is no doubt that the presence of women in the peace process is influential. It is important for the Taliban to live up to their beliefs, and are not afraid of criticism and opposition from the people and the international community. Nevertheless, the presence of women certainly prevents…

The socio-cultural environment, along with the security challenges, is the main factor for women’s lack of access to their basic rights. Therefore, special attention must be drawn to public awareness to improve the situation and provide more opportunities for women. According to Sayed Agha Hossein Fazel Sancharaki, the former Deputy Minister for the Information and Culture Ministry, old-fashioned traditions, continued conflict and growing insecurity are the main drivers holding women back to flourish in society. He believes if a permanent ceasefire is put into place, women will gradually enjoy their fundamental rights. CSHRN: How to improve the current situation? Sancharaki: Cultural development, along with ending the conflict, will help transform the social mentality and improve social awareness on citizenship rights, human dignity, especially those of women. However, must work needs to be done to reach that point. In essence, economic, social, and cultural development are intertwined as one influence the other. Therefore, mass media, CSOs, and government are having key responsibilities to work together to improve social awareness, eradicate poverty, and develop social social-welfare. CSHRN: What is your assessment of the peace talks? Sancharaki: As some Afghan negotiating team members said, I am not much optimistic about the outcome of the talks. The Taliban’s harsh views on human rights have not yet changed. If peace talks fail, the situation for human rights will further decline. CSHRN: Will women accept restrictions of their rights? Sancharaki: Many things depend on the Taliban’s understanding of the realities of Afghan society. Nevertheless, the group’s behavior over the last twenty years clearly demonstrates atrocities only such as stoning, killing, and burning. CSHRN: How can women’s presence in the peace talks affect the Taliban’s view of women? Sancharaki: The presence of women in the Afghan negotiating team is a plus and highly appreciated despite…

Some scholars believe that Afghan society in the years after the fall of the Taliban has not been able to achieve the expected goals with regards to human rights, equality, social justice, and women’s rights in specific. The foundation of public belief in women’s legal and social equality in society has not been strengthened. Therefore, there are differences between women at different levels and regions of society, which has prevented them from becoming a single force to achieve their rights and change the view of society towards themselves.In an interview the CSHRN, Mr. Saljuqi said that Afghan women are fragmented by different cultural perspectives and identities and are not perceived as a major and transformative force in society. “We have not been able to establish and strengthen the foundations of public belief in women’s legal and social equality. We started defending women’s rights based on a very weak social foundation. This caused a divide between rural and urban women. Living in a traditional society, rural women are housewives while urban women appear to live modern lives, which separate the two groups.” Said Mr. Saljuqi.CSHRN: What do you mean by separation?Saljuqi: Rural women are traditionally captivated, and women in the city have stepped beyond the realm of modern civic and social development resembling European citizens who have lived for a hundred years in a democratic society. This major change has prevented Afghan women from becoming a single entity with the same social status; The majority of society is made up of traditional women, and the minority of society consists of modern urban women, and the two groups cannot be united in a struggle for fundamental and civil rights; For this reason, women have become two separate poles, and this distance has caused them not to have a single voice.…

Acceptance of possible restrictions on women's rights in peace talks has been a major concern since the beginning of the talks among officials and staff of governmental and non-governmental organizations active in the women's sector. Some of these people say that Afghan women have struggled in recent years to achieve what they have and their rights cannot be traded.The government has assured women that they will defend their rights. However, Mrs. Rasooli said that women will stand against any decisions that could jeopardize their rights. “We will not retreat; even a single step. We will not allow the government to trade even a part of our rights and establish peace in which the rights of half the population of the country is ignored.” Said Mrs. Rasooli.Network: Do women in the negotiating team have the ability to defend women’s rights?Rasooli: Female representatives can certainly be effective if they thoroughly defend women’s rights and their achievements of the past two decades. I think that men can never defend women’s rights because only a woman can understand the problems of women and the pain they endure. Therefore, it would have been better if more women from different social backgrounds and different provinces could participate in peace talks. Nevertheless, we hope the female representatives, despite their low presence, can defend the rights and achievements of women. Network: What issues should be emphasized upon with regards to women?Rasooli: Women have made significant achievements both at education and work which is confirmed by their active participation. These achievements have been gained through years of struggle and should not be ignored. Women’s right to education and employment, which is also provided by Islam must be protected as red lines. Additionally, most families have lost a male member, and their survivors, especially homeless women, should be allowed…

Many civil society activists believe that Afghan women have made great strides over the past two decades and that no restrictions are acceptable for them if the Taliban participate in power.Speaking to CSHRN, Kikavus Shoja Taksari, the Secretary of Civil Society of Badakhshan province, said the Taliban must now face the realities of Afghanistan. Over the last two decades, women have made considerable progress. Therefore, their voices must be heard and their meaningful presence in the peace process must be ensured.CSHRN: What is your assessment of peace talks so far?Mr. Taksari: The delays in face-to-face talks between the two parties in Doha is a matter of concern for the Afghan people. Everyone here holds out hope for lasting peace and positive changes. They are fed up with the ongoing situation of turmoil and insecurity.CSHRN: Given the nature of the Taliban, do you still hope for a positive peace deal?Mr. Taksari: The Taliban must understand the critical roles of women in development activities. Afghan women, especially those who have worked in various fields, are concerned about their position in the post-peace government and will not accept a return to the dark era of the Taliban. I believe that women would play an active and meaningful role in peace talks in order to be able to defend their rights.CSHRN: Does the government negotiating team, especially its female members, have the capacity to represent Afghan women?Mr. Taksari: I think women’s presence in the peace talks must be based on fair competition, who have strong capacities and hold public support. Their effective engagement largely depends on their capacities in negotiation with the Taliban. One main concern for women is the undue influence of the Taliban following their possible integration into society as women were deprived of their basic rights when the group…

Most CSOs activists argue that maintaining the republic system must be preserved as it can best guarantee human rights, especially those of women. Talking to CSHRN, Rahmatullah Shariati, a civil society activist, and University Lecturer said that the republic system, as a safe platform, can ensure women’s constitutional rights.CSHRN: What is your assessment of the peace talks so far?Shariati: Lack of agreement on a joint agenda for peace negotiation is a serious concern. Despite the goodwill of the Afghan negotiating team, the Taliban are not acting in good faith that undermines the process.CSHRN: What will be the possible results of the talks, given the Taliban’s history and views of women?Shariati: Despite the prevalence of democracy in the last two decades, the Taliban still pose serious threats to women’s rights. In the case of a power-sharing agreement, women’s rights and their political participation will be challenged by the Taliban as the group is opposed to the democratic environment.CSHRN: How will women’s presence affect the Taliban’s views?Shariati: Their presence is effective, but their participation in a quota system is very low. Although the male participants in the team also support women’s rights; however, it is important for women to represent themselves. The Taliban men, who are present on the battleground are more dangerous to women than their negotiators. Women’s active and broad engagement in the peace talks will also draw international attention to Afghan women.CSHRN: Would it be acceptable if more restrictions are imposed as the result of the peace talks?Shariati: If both parties are equally determined in establishing a ceasefire and restoring peace, they should retreat from their maximalist positions. For example, restricting women’s education is never acceptable; however, separate education would be an alternative, provided that peace is restored. Otherwise, it would not be worth risking our democratic…

The spike in violence, especially civilian casualties, amid the peace talks, has become a major concern for the public and government alike. Only a political settlement would end this crisis.Talking to CSHRN, Khadija Yaqin, the Director of Women’s Affairs in Baghlan province, thinks that continuous violence, suicide attacks, assassination, and social crisis will affect the efforts for ending the conflict. According to Ms. Khadija, Afghans have long been yearning for peace, and yet no significant progress has been made in the peace talks.CSHRN: What how do you see the possible outcome of the peace talks?Khadija: I am optimistic about the peace efforts; however, the delay in direct talks and the growing increase in violence are concerning. Therefore, the question that comes to mind is what sort of problems exist on the way to peace progress.CSHRN: How should women make use of peace negotiation efforts?Khadija: Peace and security will bring about a conducive environment for all people, mainly for women, to build up their capacities and pursue their dreams. The number of female negotiators is not sufficient; and yet, they can advocate increasing their presence in other various political processes.CSHRN: How will the women’s active presence in negotiations influence the Taliban’s views of women?Khadija: Women’s presence in important meetings as such, guaranteed by the country’s law will affect the Taliban’s views of women and would be a plausible answer to their opposition. Both women representatives and female journalists, attended on the first days of the meetings, demonstrated women’s freedom provided within the constitutional framework.CSHRN: Would female negotiators be able to well-represent the wider women community?Khadija: Although we expected more women to be included in the team, I am personally hopeful about their capacities to defend women’s rights.CSHRN: Are restrictions on women’s rights acceptable?Khadija: No restriction on women’s rights will…

Since the beginning of the peace talks, the Afghan public has had a mix of hopes and fears concerning the peace process. Talking to CSHRN, Ms. Dida Shekib expressed her frustration about the peace talks with the Taliban, who ignore half the population in Afghanistan.CSHRN: How do you assess the progress in peace talks?Ms. Shekib: Given the start of the peace talks, the negotiating parties have not yet been able to agree on basic matters. However, the wounds of four decades of armed conflict are not that much easy to be healed in a short span of time. I think it may take much longer for parties to the conflict to reach a political agreement.CSHRN: Will the peace dialogue pay off with the Taliban?Ms. Shekib: I think the current war is not only among Afghans, rather many countries in the region are, too, involved and so does the solution. Having no female negotiators signifies the Taliban’s harsh views of women. Therefore, women’s rights and the constitution will not be preserved without the support of foreign countries in the region.CSHRN: How do you observe the capacity of Afghan negotiating team members in defending women’s rights?Ms. Shekib: I think there are really strong women in peace talks who are committed and experienced. However, some have insufficient capacity but own political affiliation and personal network.CSHRN: What critical issues related to women must be put forward in the peace negotiations?Ms. Shekib: Women’s fundamental rights such as the right to education, healthcare, and employment must be protected. During the Islamic Emirate, girls were banned from going to school. Therefore, reaching an agreement to recognize women’s human right will be very hard.CSHRN: Does the public accept restrictions on women’s rights?Ms. Shekib: If a peace deal is made at the expense of women’s access to…