DOHA MEETING: Global Protests Erupt in Support of Afghan Women

DOHA MEETING: Global Protests Erupt in Support of Afghan Women and Girls’ Right to Education

MAHABAHU CORRESPONDENT

Continued Use of Corporal Punishment in Afghanistan, Afghan women, burqa wearing — Image: Powershift

In a significant display of global solidarity, human rights activists and civil society members have raised their voices against the upcoming Doha meeting‘s exclusion of women and human rights activists from its main sessions.

Scheduled for next week, this crucial meeting aims to address how the United Nations and other countries will interact with the Taliban government. Yet, the absence of female representation has sparked outrage and a series of demonstrations worldwide.

DOHA MEETING: Global Protests Erupt in Support of Afghan Women — Location: Islamabad – Pakistan

On June 29, 2024, protesters took to the streets, vehemently opposing the United Nations’ decision. The exclusion of women from discussions about their country’s future, especially under a regime notorious for its oppression of female rights, has been labeled “unacceptable” and “sending the wrong messages.”

Chanting powerful slogans like “Boycott the Doha meeting,” “The Taliban commit crimes; the World supports them!,” “Negotiations are wrong, Our homeland is our bloodbath,” and “The Taliban are enemies of knowledge and humanity,” protesters highlighted the gravity of the situation. Placards also bore messages such as “One voice for Freedom, Education, Work,” and “We stand, we die, we don’t accept humiliation,” emphasizing their resolve and determination.

The protests were not confined to a single location. In Islamabad, Pakistan, demonstrators gathered in large numbers, making their voices heard. They decried the Doha meeting’s exclusionary practices, pointing out the hypocrisy of discussing Afghanistan’s future without the input of Afghan women, who are directly impacted by the Taliban’s draconian policies.

“It is really a shame that the United Nations decides to exclude Afghan women from an international meeting on Afghanistan,” said one protester. “What will Doha 3 do for the millions of girls who are deprived of education?” This sentiment resonated deeply, reflecting the frustration and betrayal felt by many who see the exclusion as a direct affront to the principles of justice and equality.

The demonstrators’ message was clear: excluding women from these critical discussions is tantamount to treason. It undermines the credibility of any agreements or resolutions that may arise from the Doha meeting, as they fail to represent the voices and rights of half the Afghan population.

The international community’s response to the Taliban’s policies has been mixed, with some hoping that engagement could lead to reforms. However, the lack of concrete actions to include women in these high-stakes discussions only emboldens the Taliban’s stance, leading to further deterioration of women’s rights in Afghanistan.

Activists argue that the United Nations and global leaders must adopt a unified stance against the Taliban’s oppressive measures. They call for collective diplomatic and economic pressure to compel the Taliban to reverse their bans on women’s education and participation in public life. Only through such unified action, they assert, can meaningful change be achieved.

Taliban in Doha — “Taliban representatives attending the third meeting on Afghanistan in Doha, Qatar – what an absurd time we live in”-Dr Fayeza fayez

In the wake of the recent protests, there is an intensifying demand for a boycott of the upcoming meeting in Doha, unless substantial adjustments are made to broaden the participant base to include women and human rights advocates. The push for their inclusion stems not only from ethical considerations but is also vital for guaranteeing that the resolutions and policies formulated during the meeting uphold principles of justice, equity, and long-term viability.

The exclusion of women and human rights activists from the discussion table undermines the diversity and comprehensiveness of the dialogue, potentially skewing the outcomes towards a less inclusive perspective. Historically, meetings that fail to incorporate diverse viewpoints often result in policies that are narrow in scope and impact, potentially alienating significant segments of the population and perpetuating existing inequalities.

Taliban in Doha1 — “Doha, Qatar, is hosting the third meeting on Afghanistan, attended by special envoys from at least 30 countries and international organizations. The meeting will be hosted by Rosemary DiCarlo, UN Under-Secretary-General. The Taliban delegation, led by the group’s spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, arrived at the venue last night. Additionally, Roza Otunbayeva, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, and Tomas Niklasson, the EU Special Envoy for Afghanistan, have announced their attendance at the meeting.” – Dr fayeza Fayez

Including women brings a myriad of benefits, as numerous studies have shown that their participation leads to more effective and sustainable policy outcomes. Women often introduce unique perspectives and solutions, particularly in areas impacting social welfare, healthcare, and education. Similarly, the participation of human rights activists ensures that the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals are considered and safeguarded, fostering a more holistic approach to problem-solving.

Furthermore, the presence of these groups at the Doha meeting would not only enhance the legitimacy of the discussions and decisions made but would also signal a commitment to progressive governance that values inclusivity and equality. It would demonstrate to the international community a readiness to engage with complex issues in a manner that respects and promotes human dignity.

Therefore, the calls for a boycott serve as a crucial leverage point for advocates pushing for a more inclusive meeting format. They underscore the necessity for immediate and meaningful reform in the organization of such meetings, aligning them with global norms and expectations regarding gender equality and human rights.

Ignoring these calls may not only lead to a diminished impact and relevance of the meeting’s outcomes but could also exacerbate tensions and deepen divisions, both locally and internationally. It is imperative for the organizers of the Doha meeting to heed these calls seriously and undertake the necessary changes to ensure that the meeting contributes positively to the global discourse on these critical issues.

The world watches as the events unfold, hoping that the voices of those protesting will be heard and heeded. The exclusion of women from the Doha meeting stands as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and the need for unwavering commitment to human rights for all.

As the protests continue to gain momentum, it remains to be seen how the United Nations and other stakeholders will respond. Will they acknowledge the legitimacy of the protesters’ demands and take steps to rectify their exclusionary practices? Or will they proceed with the Doha meeting as planned, risking further alienation and criticism from the global community?

One thing is certain: the determination and resilience of those fighting for women’s rights in Afghanistan will not waver. They will continue to stand, speak out, and demand the justice and equality they deserve, no matter the obstacles in their path.

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