If We do not fight, We Will Lose

Among women’s concerns about the ambiguous consequences of peace talks, some believe that women will not be able to achieve their rights unless they change their approach.

In an interview with the CSHRN, Mr. Ahmadi said that Afghan women will fail if they continue on the same path they have chosen for years. They have to reconsider their methods used in the post-Taliban period. Women need to fight for their rights. Otherwise, they will fail.

CSHRN: Can women’s underrepresentation in the government’s negotiating team weaken women’s position?

Ahmadi: First, defending women’s rights is not only the responsibility of women, but also of men. Secondly, I do not believe that quantity is as important as quality. It would be useless if dozens of female representatives were in this group, but could not defend women’s rights.

CSHRN: Do women in negotiating team have the ability to be the true representative of women?

Ahmadi: They are committed, but what enhances their ability to defend women’s rights is shared view with other team members and social support.

CSHRN: Where does this social support come from?

Ahmadi: In pursuit of their rights, women can create movements that will help them achieve their rights and social support. 

Mr. Ahmadi added that women can use social media, meetings, rallies and marches to voice their objections to both sides of the negotiation, in which case it is certain that team members can better defend them.

CSHRN: Who should voice such objections?

Ahamdi: Female students and professors, women activists, female journalists, teachers must all speak with one voice and demand their rights clearly. They can defend their rights by becoming a single and independent voice.

According to him, some believe that only men should be involved in matters of war and peace. However, women can play a decisive role in these issues with unity and seriousness.  

CSHRN: Have the Taliban’s views of women changed?

Ahmadi: Their view has not changed in any way. Referring to the speeches of members of the Taliban leadership in Qatar, it is clear that their view of women is still the same. However, it may change after the forthcoming negotiations, if the negotiating team have a clear vision and people’s support.

According to Mr. Ahmadi, women’s movements can be very effective in convincing and changing the Taliban’s view.

CSHRN: Are women concerned about the outcome of the peace talks?

Ahmadi: Yes. There are many concerns. However, addressing these concerns depend on women’s effort.

CSHRN: How will the negotiating team deal with imposing possible restrictions by the Taliban?

Ahmadi: We have a set of principles that we are trying to implement. If a restriction is likely to be accepted, it will be ​​social restrictions, which will be temporary. But we do not accept issues such as gender segregation in the workplaces and schools.

According to Mr. Ahmadi, accepting some minor restrictions will not be a problem. He believes that these restrictions will be temporary and when society grows and can maintain its fundamental rights, it will be able to expand the circle of freedoms.