In New York, HRS joined global voices demanding action on conflict, hunger, and how they harm women and girls most. Human Rights Solidarity (HRS), a UK-based, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to human rights advocacy, proudly participated in the 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. This milestone event amplified the voices of refugee, migrant, and marginalised women globally.
HRS engaged in impactful sessions on child marriage, gender-based violence, women’s leadership in conflict zones, and labor rights, contributing to critical global discussions on women’s and girls’ challenges. Our Women’s Rights Committee collaborated with policymakers, civil society leaders, and survivor-activists to champion intersectional, inclusive gender equality strategies.
Despite logistical hurdles, HRS’s participation underscored the power of perseverance and solidarity in global advocacy. The insights and partnerships forged are now driving our local and global initiatives. CSW69 was more than a conference it was a rallying cry for action. HRS returns energised, informed, and unwavering in its commitment to protecting and promoting the rights of every woman and girl, fostering a just, inclusive, and equitable future.
Menstrual health in the United Kingdom faces stigma, neglect, and inequality, impacting well-being, workplaces, healthcare, and access to essential products. Menstruation is a natural biological process experienced by approximately half the population. Yet, in the UK, it remains enveloped in stigma, misinformation, and systemic neglect. Recent studies and reports highlight the pressing need for comprehensive menstrual awareness and support across various sectors of society.
Menstrual health is not just a biological issue, it’s a deeply social, cultural, and economic one that requires bold, innovative thinking. Imagine if every public restroom had free, biodegradable menstrual products, much like soap and toilet paper. What if wearable tech could monitor hormonal cycles and provide personalized insights to improve both physical and emotional well-being? Or, think bigger, interactive art installations in cities that break taboos by turning menstrual experiences into immersive, empathetic storytelling.
A survey conducted by Wellbeing of Women in August 2023 revealed that 97% of women and girls aged 16-40 have experienced period pain, with almost half (51%) enduring it every cycle. Alarmingly, 42% described their pain as severe. Despite this, only 14% have tried medication to reduce heavy bleeding, indicating a gap in effective treatment and awareness.
Menstruation significantly affects women’s professional lives. A report by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) found that more than two-thirds (69%) of women experience a negative impact at work due to menstrual symptoms. Yet, only 12% of organizations provide support for menstruation and menstrual health. Many women feel unsupported, with 49% who took absence due to menstrual issues never disclosing the real reason to their managers. On a personal note, companies I have worked for excluded cramps and heavy bleeding from their sick pay policy.
The cost-of-living crisis has exacerbated period poverty in the UK. ActionAid reported that the number of women and people who menstruate struggling to afford period products rose from 12% to 21% in just one year. This equates to approximately 2.8 million individuals. Consequences include prolonged use of sanitary products, use of unsuitable alternatives like tissues or socks, and missing work or school. This is also a shocking lack of awareness among young individuals regarding the amount and types of menstrual products available. While conversing with colleagues and peers I have often found people did not know what a menstrual cup is.
A parliamentary report highlighted systemic issues within the NHS, where women’s reproductive health concerns are often dismissed. Conditions like endometriosis and adenomyosis are frequently misdiagnosed or normalized, leading to prolonged suffering. The report calls for improved medical training and expedited diagnosis and treatment processes. Half (50%) of women surveyed by Wellbeing of Women say their period symptoms have been dismissed by someone. This is higher for 16–24-year-olds, 3 in 5 (61%) say their symptoms have been dismissed, with 23% being dismissed by healthcare professionals.
Menstrual health-related issues faced by individuals from LGBTQI+ communities are often overlooked, despite being deeply significant. Many transgender men, non-binary people, and gender non-conforming individuals menstruate, but societal narratives and healthcare systems typically frame menstruation as a “women-only” experience. This exclusion can lead to emotional distress, gender dysphoria, and a sense of invisibility.
In public spaces, gendered bathrooms and the lack of inclusive facilities make managing menstruation challenging and unsafe. Trans and non-binary individuals may avoid using restrooms altogether, increasing their risk of infections and discomfort. Additionally, many period products are marketed exclusively to women, reinforcing gendered stereotypes and alienating those who don’t identify as female.
In healthcare settings, practitioners may lack training on how to sensitively address menstrual concerns for LGBTQI+ patients. This can result in miscommunication, misgendering, or even refusal of care, discouraging individuals from seeking help for period-related issues like pain, irregular cycles, or reproductive health needs.
Mental health also intersects with menstrual experiences, especially for those experiencing gender dysphoria triggered by menstruation. The psychological burden of navigating a system that doesn’t recognize or affirm their identity can compound stress and isolation.
To address these issues, menstrual health initiatives must adopt inclusive language, offer diverse product representation, create gender-neutral facilities, and ensure healthcare providers are trained in LGBTQI+ competent care. Only through inclusive, intersectional approaches can we achieve menstrual equity for all.
Education on menstruation remains inadequate. While the UK government introduced compulsory Relationship and Sex Education in 2020, many young people still lack comprehensive information. Additionally, cultural and religious taboos contribute to the silence surrounding periods, particularly among Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities. A study by Wen found that 66% of BAME women had never heard of menstrual campaigns, underscoring the need for inclusive educational initiatives.
Education can evolve too: gamified apps where students learn about menstrual cycles through engaging narratives, or community-based “Menstruation Festivals” that blend tradition, science, and activism to celebrate the power of menstruating bodies. We could even see urban design rethink architecture, quiet rooms in schools and workplaces for menstrual rest, or heat-sensitive seating that offers comfort during cramps.
True menstrual health means dismantling shame, redesigning systems, and celebrating cycles as vital, not burdensome. Let’s reimagine a world where menstruation is met with support, technology, and celebration, not silence.
Several initiatives aim to address these challenges:
Period Products Scheme: Launched in 2020, this government program provides free menstrual products in schools and colleges, with 99% of secondary schools participating by 2023.
Menstrual Cycle Support: This health tech organization offers free online menstrual health literacy courses, aiming to reduce diagnosis times and empower individuals through education.
CIPD’s Call to Action: The CIPD urges organizations to create awareness, tackle stigma, and train managers to support employees experiencing menstrual health issues.
#TeachHerTomorrow is a global call to support Arezo, empowering Afghan girls with virtual education, mentorship, and leadership led by women. In defiance of the Taliban’s draconian ban on education for Afghan girls and women, Human Rights Solidarity (HRS) ignited Arezo (Hope) a visionary initiative that merges virtual learning with global activism. Bridging crises of opportunity and injustice, Arezo pairs Afghan female educators with determined students through online literacy classes and mentorship, offering both education to the excluded and employment to the displaced. Launched in early 2025, the program has already empowered over 60 students, with enrollment steadily increasing as more girls join the movement.
Delivered in Dari and Pashto, Arezo’s virtual classrooms provide structured literacy lessons while ensuring fair wages for teachers many of whom now find purpose and stability after being barred from their professions. Beyond textbooks, the initiative fosters resilience through a dynamic mentorship program where poetry, language exchange, and storytelling become tools for self-expression and confidence. Students, despite facing stark challenges spotty internet access, familial pressures, or balancing childcare with studies demonstrate extraordinary commitment. Teachers note their enthusiasm, with weekly assessments sparking healthy competition and growth.
To amplify its reach, Arezo champions a parallel advocacy campaign, #TeachHerTomorrow , harnessing storytelling, infographics, and live webinars to rally global support. The call resonates with policymakers, educators, and NGOs, urging action to uphold Afghan girls’ right to learn. Donations fund critical resources: teacher salaries, internet stipends, and learning materials, while monthly reports track progress through attendance, academic performance, and heartfelt student feedback ensuring accountability and adaptability.
Rooted in authenticity, Arezo is steered by leaders whose expertise in law, education, and human rights informs every decision. This community-led model not only challenges systemic oppression but also redefines protest through progress. It is a lifeline a testament to courage in darkness, nurturing dreams where doors have been slammed shut. Arezo stands as more than an educational project; it is a global movement.
HRS members, joined London’s impactful Women’s March, advocating for education rights and highlighting global struggles against gender-based violence and injustice. Human Rights Solidarity (HRS) marked International Women’s Day on March 8 with its annual demonstration, joining forces with the Million Women Rise collective in London’s Great March. This year, the HRS Women’s Rights Committee spotlighted the critical issue of education access while amplifying the voices of women globally enduring violence and injustice particularly Afghan girls barred from schooling. Asiye Betul, a representative of the committee, delivered a stirring poetic address at Trafalgar Square, articulating the systemic oppression faced by women in regions worldwide.
Renowned as one of the largest and most impactful women’s rights gatherings globally, London’s annual march is a women-led initiative backed by diverse organizations and individuals nationwide. Participants from varied cultural, religious, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds united to condemn gender-based violence and inequality. Chants, banners, and songs echoed calls for justice, weaving a tapestry of resistance and solidarity.
This year’s demonstration kicked off at Oxford Street, London’s bustling shopping hub, and culminated at Trafalgar Square. Thousands marched for two hours along the 3-kilometer route, blending drumbeats, slogans, and a festive yet resolute atmosphere. Protestors demanded safer public spaces free from harassment, homes liberated from violence, and workplaces grounded in equity and dignity.
The HRS Women’s Rights Committee contributed a striking visual protest to the march. A delegation of 20 members staged a symbolic act highlighting Afghanistan’s education ban and the universal right to learning. Volunteers carried a 120×60 cm chained book model emblazoned with “Education” and “Women’s Rights,” while others wore miniature chained books as pendants. Their chants advocating education as freedom resonated alongside messages of global solidarity against gender-based oppression.
At the Trafalgar Square rally, speakers shed light on struggles faced by women in conflict zones like Gaza, Sudan, Syria, Iran, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Representing HRS, Asiye Betul recited an original poem decrying injustices from Turkey to global fronts. In a powerful climax, the chains binding the oversized book model were shattered, unveiling a hidden proclamation: “Denying education is denying freedom” a bold reminder of liberation’s inseparable tie to knowledge.
***
NOTE: Here is the poem written and read by Asiye Betul:
What does my liberation look like? Does it look like your laws, your wars, your rules? Does it look like my body dissected by your schools? Does it wear my face, does it speak my name? Or is it just another mask for more of the same?
You look at me, The barbarian other, veiled in ignorance, beneath your supremacy, Veiled beneath your pity, Telling me I need saving, while your hands are busy Writing rules for my oppression, and laws that push me, Across your borders, across humanity.
But? Here in Britain, who cleans your homes? Who raises your child? Who wipes the tables where your rich sit and smile? Migrant women in kitchens, in hospitals, in care, The most invisible labour, lowest paid hours. You say “go back,” but where do they go? To the wreckage your empire left long ago? Does your liberation reach asylum hotels, Home Office flats? Where the right to belong is always too late?
What about Gaza? Where mothers dig graves, Newborns breathe gas instead of air, Women give birth in rubble, where life is death You mourn your wars, count your dead, While my sisters’ bodies are just headlines instead. Where is your liberation without Palestinian women?
I am a Turkish woman, and If it were up to me, I would not know the name of the women murdered, on the streets, in homes, in silent hours, I would not know the names of those drowned crossing rivers, If it were up to me, I would not have known exile nor borders, nor so many women locked behind iron doors. But I know Gulten Sayin and the pain of a son’s death, I grew up seeing the face of Ozgecan on the internet, I know the names of a thousand others, Women buried in silence, in cells, in water. My aunts, my sisters, my grandmothers. May oppressors burn in their indifference. My liberation without theirs is nothing but betrayal.
We’re here to speak about Afghan women, So let me get started, Because liberation without Afghan sisters is liberation denied. Women doctors, women judges, Women teachers, women scholars, Now women locked, women silenced, Women erased– for once I’d like to say women and not violence Your armies came, your armies left, And with them, their futures. That’s theft! Knowledge is power, and women’s power you fear, A girl with a book is a threat too near. A girl writing is a threat, A girl reading, walking, breathing is a threat. Crumble in your fear,
To hell with your instructions. Tell me what to do with my ovaries. Tell me how to democratise. Tell me why covering my body is oppression, But bombing mine is not. Tell me how to speak, how to look, how to walk, Is my accent just right? Am I dressed unprovocative enough? Tell me what my freedom looks like, How else will you humanise me? Draw me a map to my own liberation, Then burn it before I arrive. Because your freedom was never for me, It was never for the women in cages, The Women suffering from your own wars, The women in rubble, the women in exile, women in schools turned to graves, women across borders, women crossing channels women who fix, wash, and clean your flannels. And if your liberation is not for them, Then it was never liberation at all.
On International Women’s Day 2025, HRS reaffirms its commitment to empowering women, promoting equality, and ensuring freedom and security worldwide. Today, March 8th, 2025, we come together to celebrate International Women’s Day—a day to honour the courage, brilliance, and resilience of women and girls everywhere. At Human Rights Solidarity (HRS), we stand tall on this occasion, recommitting ourselves to a vision of a world where every woman is empowered, valued, and a full partner in the decisions that shape her future. We strive for a tomorrow where equality, security, and freedom are not distant dreams but everyday truths for all.
This year, the United Nations has given us a powerful theme for 2025: “For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment.” It’s a rallying cry that shines a light on the stubborn challenges holding women back. The latest UN Women report, marking the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action—signed by 189 countries in 1995 tells a story of both hope and heartbreak. Yes, there’s been progress over these three decades, but the report lays bare a harsh reality: women’s rights are slipping away, eroded by the collapse of democratic foundations. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a stark warning: instead of advancing equality, we’re seeing misogyny creep into the mainstream. This isn’t just a stumble it’s a call to action.
Here are some of the key findings of the UN Women Report:
One in four countries has watched women’s rights erode over the past year, battered by weakening democracies, rising conflicts, humanitarian crises, and climate chaos.
Anti-rights movements are digging in, blocking legal reforms and slowing the march toward gender equality.
Women’s political representation has doubled in 30 years—yet men still hold 75% of parliamentary seats, and only 87 countries have ever elected a woman to lead.
Social protections—like healthcare and safety from violence—have grown stronger, but 2 billion women and girls remain shut out from these rights.
While 88% of countries have laws to fight violence against women, women still possess just 64% of the legal rights men enjoy.
And in conflict zones, war-related sexual violence has surged by 50% since 2022, with women and girls accounting for 95% of the victims.
These aren’t just statistics they’re the daily struggles of millions. And in some parts of the world, the picture grows even darker.
Countries with Severe Violations of Women’s Rights
At HRS, we’ve seen how women and girls continue to face brutal discrimination and violence in too many places. Let me take you through a few:
Afghanistan: The Taliban has stripped women of education and jobs, enforcing what the UN and Amnesty International call “gender apartheid.”
Iran: Women face unequal laws in marriage, divorce, and inheritance. Between 2021 and 2024, 180 women were killed by their husbands some in the name of “honor.”
Turkey: Male violence rages on, worsened by the country’s withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention. Women are jailed on terrorism charges for their beliefs, and girls under 18 face trials for studying or watching movies together.
Saudi Arabia: Women still need male approval to marry, travel, or access services, their public lives tightly controlled.
Somalia: With a 98% prevalence rate, female genital mutilation scars nearly every woman and girl, bringing lifelong health risks.
Pakistan: Honor killings, acid attacks, and forced marriages remain a grim reality.
India: Rape, domestic violence, and trafficking endure, alongside practices like dowry killings and gender-selective abortion.
These stories are a wake-up call. But they’re not the end. At HRS, we know change is within reach and it’s urgent. We call on governments, the private sector, civil society, and every one of you to step up. Protect women’s rights. Fight for gender equality. Turn the promises of 1995 into action today. The time for meaningful change is now.
Together, let’s forge a world where every woman and girl can rise, thrive, and lead because when women are free, humanity wins.
HRS and King’s College London discussed refugee women’s integration challenges, highlighting Hizmet Movement volunteers’ more positive experiences from survey results. On the evening of February 25, Human Rights Solidarity (HRS) and King’s College London hosted a significant panel discussion addressing the integration processes and challenges faced by refugee women. The panel also evaluated the results of HRS’s “Integration Survey” conducted among female volunteers of the Hizmet Movement. The survey findings revealed that the integration experiences of Hizmet volunteers significantly differed from those of other refugee communities, demonstrating a more positive trend.
Moderated by Dr. Aqeel Abdulla from King’s College London, the panel featured 20-minute presentations by Dr. Nuni Jorgensen from the University of Oxford, Kerim Balcı from HRS, and Monique Garforth from the Refugee Employability Program. Asiye Betül Akyüz, a member of HRS’s Women’s Rights Committee, summarized the key findings of the women’s integration survey, while Sevgi Ünal introduced the simultaneous cartoon exhibition on migration and refugees held in the same venue. The panel was attended by more than 100 participants, including university and postgraduate students, as well as members of Turkish and various refugee communities.
At the beginning of the panel, moderator Dr. Aqeel Abdulla briefly shared his background, mentioning that he himself is a Syrian refugee who has now become a British citizen. Referring to the traumas caused by the 13-year civil war in his homeland, Abdulla emphasized the emotional burden of witnessing heartbreak and loss or listening to painful experiences. “This can be triggering for us because we must process this trauma in a productive and beneficial way. This is the pressure we put on ourselves and the reason why we advocate for asylum and refugee rights,” he stated.
Refugee policies must be free from gender bias
Dr. Nuni Jorgensen, a researcher at the University of Oxford’s Migration Observatory, pointed out that for many years, refugee policies have considered men as the “norm” and women as the “exception,” making integration significantly more challenging for female refugees. According to Jorgensen, while women often struggle to prove they are victims of gender-based violence, men frequently face skepticism and are sometimes denied asylum due to being perceived as “economic migrants.”
The percentage of male asylum seekers in the UK increased from 63% in 2009 to 80% in 2022, sparking political debates. However, data shows that both men and women have had an equal acceptance rate of 76%. Jorgensen stressed the need to remove gender-based assumptions from refugee policies and to reconsider migration experiences by acknowledging the different challenges faced by men and women.
Hizmet volunteers show greater tendency for integration
Kerim Balcı, who provides refugee rights training at HRS, compared the integration experiences of Hizmet Movement volunteers with those of other communities. According to HRS’s survey results, Hizmet volunteers demonstrated a notably different and more positive integration trend.
Balcı highlighted a striking finding from the survey: while 91% of the respondents were married, none of them cited domestic violence as a concern in response to open-ended questions about desired improvements in their lives. This contrasts with the findings of studies conducted by UK refugee councils, where domestic violence was frequently reported as a widespread issue among other refugee communities.
Additionally, Balcı noted that while some refugee communities in the UK still show resistance to sending their daughters to school, this trend was not observed among Hizmet volunteers. He attributed this to their stronger inclination toward integration with British society compared to other groups.
He further elaborated on the survey findings: “Among the respondents, 42.9% stated that human rights and freedoms were their primary concern, while 27.7% prioritized the rule of law. In contrast, only 23.4% identified financial stability as their main concern. This is unusual for migrant communities, as financial security is typically the top priority due to the economic setbacks and loss of professional recognition that often accompany migration. However, for this group (Hizmet volunteers), freedom, law, and the protection of fundamental rights take precedence.”
The biggest challenges: Language barrier and homelessness
Monique Garforth, who has long worked at a foundation focused on refugee employment, highlighted that one of the biggest challenges faced by women is ‘language proficiency’. She explained that due to language barriers, even routine tasks such as ‘registering with a general practitioner’ can become an overwhelming struggle.
Another critical issue, according to Garforth, is ‘homelessness’, which makes adapting to life in the UK nearly impossible: “For homeless individuals, concerns about education, training, or employment become secondary. The immediate need is a home. That is why a significant portion of our program is dedicated to helping refugees cope with homelessness.”
She pointed out that many refugee women, despite being highly educated, remain trapped in low-paying jobs due to ‘qualification recognition barriers’ or ‘systemic exclusion’. “Female refugees face significantly higher unemployment rates compared to both male refugees and the general population,” she stated.
Emphasizing that most refugees do not wish to rely on social security benefits but instead strive to work, establish their lives, and ensure their children’s success, Garforth concluded: “Our services aim to support their integration into society, facilitate access to education, and help them find employment opportunities. These efforts create a real impact.”
‘Humanity Cartoons’ exhibition attracted great interest
Following the panel, attendees explored the ‘Humanity Cartoons’ exhibition, organized by HRS. The exhibition showcased the winning works from an ‘international cartoon competition’ focused on migration and refugee issues. Visitors, deeply engaged with the artwork, expressed how the illustrations powerfully depicted the struggles of refugees and influenced their perspectives on the issue.
The competition was originally launched in 2015 by Kimse Yok Mu, a humanitarian aid organization operating in Turkey. However, the Turkish government ‘unlawfully shut down’ the organization in 2016, forcing many of its employees into refugee status.
Since 2019, HRS and Time to Help volunteers have continued exhibiting the competition’s award-winning cartoons in the UK, including in cities like London and Newcastle. Due to strong public interest, the two organizations decided to continue the competition, rebranding it as ‘Humanity Cartoons’. The second and third editions were held in 2023 and 2024, respectively, and the winning artworks continue to be exhibited across the UK.
Since the Taliban’s return, Afghan women face severe ‘gender apartheid’, highlighting urgent international support and accountability needs for their oppression. The situation for women and girls in Afghanistan has reached a critical juncture, particularly following the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021. The term “gender apartheid” has resurfaced to describe the severe oppression faced by women under the current regime. This blog aims to shed light on Afghan women’s challenges and the urgent need for international support and accountability.
Afghan women are demonstrating remarkable courage and resilience in the face of gender oppression. Their determination, persistence, and creativity shine through despite the high costs they bear, including violence and sexual violence. However, it is essential to recognize that not all women experience oppression in the same way. Factors such as ethnicity, religion, disability, and family status can exacerbate discrimination. For instance, women from ethnic minorities like the Hazara, Uzbek, Turkmen, Sikhs, and Hindus, as well as those with disabilities or heading households (over 200,000 households in Afghanistan are headed by women), face even greater challenges. Since the fall of Kabul, Afghanistan has been in a dire human rights crisis. Over the past three years, the Taliban have enforced brutal policies. Just days ago, 14 Hazara young men were killed viciously in a remote area of Bankridi province.
The ongoing crisis extends beyond immediate threats to women’s rights; it poses a long-term risk to the education of future generations. We know women and girls above the sixth grade are denied education. They face severe restrictions in employment and are not allowed to play sports. Movement is also extremely difficult for them, requiring a dull face-covering hijab. Essentially, many women are imprisoned in their own homes, and that is how they describe it. The lack of positive female role models and the deterioration of education for both boys and girls could lead to a poorly educated and radicalized population. This situation threatens not only Afghanistan but potentially extends beyond its borders, impacting global stability.
After August 2021, there was talk of a “Taliban 2.0”, a supposedly changed, reformed and more acceptable Taliban. However, the reality has clarified that Taliban 2.0 is a myth. The Taliban’s current position of strength complicates efforts to advocate for women’s rights. While some Taliban leaders claim to support girls’ education, the reality on the ground tells a different story. The divisions within the Taliban movement create a complex dynamic that makes it challenging to shift their stance on women’s education and rights. Engaging with the Taliban requires a nuanced approach that considers these internal divisions while advocating for the rights of women and girls.
Another element to consider is Afghanistan’s status as a party to the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). The ICC focuses on individual criminal justice, but CEDAW allows for state-to-state action. This means one or more states could sue Afghanistan for violations following an arbitration process. This is another avenue in international law to address the situation.
The return of the Taliban has severely restricted independent journalism in Afghanistan, particularly for female journalists. Most experienced and senior journalists have left the country, and the few media outlets still operating are entirely under Taliban control. As a result, the people of Afghanistan are deprived of hearing news that directly impacts their lives. For example, people in Kabul and other provinces are not informed about events like the attacks on the group of prosecutors in Darul Aman because journalists are not allowed to cover these incidents under Taliban rule. The dangers they face are compounded by gender discrimination, making their work even more perilous. Despite these challenges, courageous female journalists continue to report on the dire situation, highlighting the need for international attention and support.
The violations of the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan have been so extreme, widespread, and systematic that Amnesty International and the International Commission of Jurists released a report last year stating that these violations amount to the crime of gender persecution and should be investigated as such. “Gender apartheid” should be recognized as a crime against humanity to capture the severity of the situation in Afghanistan. While there is currently no law specifically addressing gender apartheid, discussions are underway at the UN in New York to create a new international human rights treaty that could criminalize such practices, though it will take time. In the meantime, the situation in Afghanistan is ripe for investigation and prosecution of gender persecution under existing international law.
A common question is whether recognizing the Taliban as the de facto authority means they are obligated to adhere to international treaties. The UN’s position is that the Taliban are the de facto authorities, not the official government. However, as de facto authorities controlling Afghanistan, they are still liable for the treaties to which Afghanistan is a party, including human rights treaties like the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. This issue is legally complex, but it’s essential. By being de facto authorities, the Taliban are technically obliged to follow these treaties. Theoretically, they could claim they no longer wish to be a party to these treaties if it doesn’t benefit them, but that remains to be debated.
So, what will work? What won’t? Normative approaches are unlikely to change the Taliban’s mindset. They believe what they believe, and it differs vastly from our beliefs. It’s wrong, but that’s the situation. We need to find a way to mobilize the international community to make the Taliban confront choices they don’t wish to face. It’s a straightforward concept but incredibly difficult to implement. The burden of these choices falls not on the Taliban but on the population. The plight of women and girls in Afghanistan is a pressing human rights issue that demands our attention and action. We must listen to Afghan voices, particularly women, and create platforms for them to engage in dialogue about their rights and needs. The time for accountability and meaningful support is now. Together, we can advocate for a future where Afghan women and girls can live free from oppression and fear.
We need to learn from the fundamental failure of the 20-year campaign in Afghanistan. A report was published by members of the Republican Party in the US last week, attributing blame to President Biden and Kamala Harris. However, the reality is far more complex. We failed for 20 years to create the conditions for a US-led military withdrawal, but they withdrew regardless. What does this tell us? Unless there is pluralistic severe governance in Afghanistan capable of managing the country to benefit all its citizens to make meaningful progress. We are now in a weaker position than before August 2021 due to mistakes made over two decades. Join us in raising awareness about the gender crisis in Afghanistan. Share this blog, engage in discussion, and support organizations working to protect the rights of Afghan women and girls. Together, we can make a difference.
On International Day, June 19th, we aim for a world without sexual violence in conflict, ensuring everyone’s dignity and safety. “Wartime sexual violence is one of history’s greatest silences and one of today’s most extreme atrocities…It is perhaps more dangerous to be a woman than a soldier in an armed conflict.” [1]
Throughout history, rape has been used in conflicts as a tool of psychological warfare to punish, intimidate, and devastate entire communities. According to Inge Skjelsbæk, a professor at PRIO, the conversation has evolved from viewing rape as something that “inevitably happens in war because men are men,” to acknowledging that “rape is a clear war strategy and a war crime that threatens international peace and security.”[2]
Sexual Violence was condemned as a tactic of war and an impediment to peacebuilding in 2008 by the UN Security Council. Unfortunately, rape continues to be widespread and prevalent in armed conflicts, situations of violence, and detention settings. It manifests in diverse contexts and results in severe humanitarian consequences. [3]
The data available reveal alarming rates of rape during and after conflicts: during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, between 250,000 and 500,000 women and girls were raped; over 60,000 were raped in the Sierra Leone civil war; between 20,000 and 50,000 in the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina; and at least 200,000 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since 1996. Although these figures are shocking, they likely represent serious underestimates, as the majority of victims do not report these crimes to authorities. [1]
Sexual violence amidst armed conflict manifests through various motives and scenarios. It may be wielded as a tool of warfare strategy, as a tacitly condoned practice, or opportunistically driven by personal motivations. [3]
Kirthi Jayakumar, a legal researcher and lawyer, in her blog, delves into the psychological reasons behind sexual violence in conflict. “Rape and sexual violence at the micro level can be a product of lustful intentions, mental disorders or depravity, as criminology offers. However, at the macro level – where the cases are not individual instances, but a collective of several individual instances that happen at dizzying speed, it is about dominance.”[4]
In an article Guardian published, a Conglese soldier admits to raping 53 women and five and six year old children only because they had the freedom to do whatever they wanted during war.[5]
While women are disproportionately affected, men and LGBTIQ+ individuals can also be victims of sexual violence during war. They may face sexual violence from armed personnel, humanitarian workers or peacekeepers, or be trafficked for sexual exploitation.[3]
When a woman endures any form of sexual violence, the repercussions extend beyond physical and psychological harm; she also bears the weight of stigma. This burden, compounded by the trauma of humiliation, often leads families to ostracize these women, forcing them out of their homes.[4]
The repercussions of sexual violence on physical, mental, and emotional well-being can overshadow every facet of a survivor’s life. Even seemingly mundane tasks, such as getting out of bed, taking a shower, or stepping outside, can become daunting.[6]
Every individual deserves to live free from violence that strips them of their dignity and safety. As we observe the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict on the 19th of June, let us reflect on this profound issue and aspire for a world where no one is ever forced to endure such degradation to their very essence.
We demand an end to the killing of women, especially in Gaza, and to violence against women around the world. The main theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is ‘Inspire Inclusion’, which emphasises the importance of diversity and empowerment in all areas of society. This also emphasises the vital role of inclusion in achieving gender equality. A key pillar of the theme is the promotion of diversity in leadership and decision-making positions. Women, especially those belonging to underrepresented groups, continue to face barriers when seeking leadership or representation roles. As we mark International Women’s Day 2024, we reaffirm our commitment to building a world where all women are empowered, valued and included in decision-making. By working together to break down barriers and promote diversity, we can build a more equitable and inclusive society for future generations.
However, we regret to remind you that today there is another problem that is much more important than women’s participation in social life: Not being able to keep them alive. Sadly, on 7 October last year, many innocent women were killed in a terrorist attack on Israel by a group affiliated with HAMAS, which rules Gaza. In addition, HAMAS is still holding many hostages, including women. Israel responded to this attack with a very violent war. The Israeli army bombed many civilian centres, including hospitals, and unfortunately more than 9,000 innocent Palestinian women were killed in 5 months. What is more tragic is that the world, states and international organisations have failed to stop this ‘genocide’. ‘Humanity’ should not remain so helpless while women and children are being brutally killed! On the occasion of International Women’s Day, we once again make an urgent appeal to all responsible persons and authorities: Stop this massacre, this ‘genocide’ as soon as possible!
Afghanistan is in the third year of Taliban rule and women’s basic rights are being restricted day by day. Women summarise their situation as “We are alive but not living.” In 2023, the Taliban introduced new restrictions on women and girls. Some of these are as follows: Women and girls are banned from receiving education from the 6th grade onwards, and in some areas they are not allowed to attend any school after the age of 10. Women’s work in national and international NGOs was suspended. Beauty centres were closed and women were banned from using gyms. In addition, women who do not wear the headscarf, as demanded by the Taliban, are arrested. It is our responsibility to stand in solidarity with Afghan women and ensure that they regain their basic rights.
In Iran, a new veiling law came into force in 2023, imposing up to 10 years in prison for women who dress ‘indecently’. Tens of thousands of women have had their cars confiscated as punishment for defying this ban. Others have been prosecuted, sentenced to flogging or imprisonment, or faced other penalties such as fines or ‘attending moral classes’. Some have been threatened with death or sexual violence. We demand that the Iranian government respect the rights of women and girls and take immediate action to stop this persecution.
Turkey has not performed well on women’s rights in recent years and the situation has worsened since 2021. Turkey withdrew from the Istanbul Convention, which it signed in 2011, by presidential decree in March 2021. This encourages impunity for crimes against women. For example, 334 women were killed by men in 2022, rising to 438 last year. In addition, for the last 10 years the Turkish government has been using ‘anti-terrorism laws’, which are not compatible with the ECHR, to silence dissent in the country. According to official statistics, nearly 100,000 women have been prosecuted under these laws since 2015 and more than 50,000 of them have been arrested. Some of those still in detention have not been released, despite the ECtHR’s ‘violation of rights’ judgement in 2023. Prisons in Turkey are overcrowded and women prisoners are subjected to inhuman treatment, including sexual harassment, strip searches and psychological torture. Sick, pregnant, infant and elderly women continue to be held in prisons in violation of the law. The international community should press the Turkish government to ensure that women and girls from vulnerable populations are provided with the support and resources they need to rebuild their lives.
The ongoing Russian occupation and war in Ukraine continues to have a devastating impact on women. According to UN figures, 80 per cent of the approximately 8.5 million displaced Ukrainians are women and girls. These women are often the targets of violence and sexual abuse. Tens of thousands of Ukrainian women serve alongside men in the army. Women who are not on the front line are under mental and physical pressure to care for their families and rebuild their lives. We must do everything we can to support women in Ukraine and ensure that their voices are heard.
We should not forget the impact on women of the restrictions on immigration imposed by Western countries. Many women are forced to leave home and family behind in search of a better life, only to face discrimination and hardship in their new countries. We must call on governments to do more to support these women and provide the resources they need to thrive.
On the other hand, the digital divide is greater for women and they are victimised by new forms of online violence and harassment. It is crucial to ensure that these technologies incorporate a human rights-first approach and prioritise the protection of women and girls on their platforms.
In conclusion, as we celebrate International Women’s Day, we have to remember that gender equality and women’s participation in decision-making and representation mechanisms is not a privilege but a fundamental human right. We must realise that we cannot achieve equality without eliminating gender-based violence. We must also recognise that no society can reach its full potential if half of its population is left behind.
On this day, we call on governments and other national and international organisations to take immediate action to address the many challenges and injustices faced by women around the world. Only then can we build a more just and equitable world for all.
Our report ‘Preventing and Combating Violence against Women with Disabilities in the UK, EU and Turkey’ is submitted to PACE. We are proud to submit our report on “Preventing and Combating Violence against Women with Disabilities in the UK, EU and Turkey” to the Committee on Equality and Anti-Discrimination in the PACE and UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls. This comprehensive report aims to shed light on the pressing issue of violence against women with disabilities in different countries.
The report, which has been meticulously compiled through rigorous research and consultation, underscores the urgent need for measures to address and eliminate the violence faced by women with disabilities. It highlights the unique challenges they encounter and provides recommendations to the PACE on policy frameworks, awareness campaigns, and support systems.
We firmly believe that this report will contribute significantly to advancing the dialogue and actions surrounding this critical issue within PACE and beyond.
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