News Archive

Afghan Women Seek Inclusion in Taliban Talks
AFP, March 9, 2009
In a meeting in Washington, D.C., Najia Zewari, the Gender and Justice Unit Manager for the Afghanistan branch of the UN Development Fund for Women, told U.S. lawmakers that Afghan women are in favor of discussions with the Taliban and want to be included in any talks.

Grim Struggle Continues for Women in Afghanistan
Associated Press, March 8, 2009
Both a recent self-immolation by a widow and a speech by President Karzai drew attention to the need to improve the situation of women in Afghanistan despite the fact that more women go to school, start businesses, and participate in government since the fall of the Taliban.

Diary of a Pakistani schoolgirl (v)
BBC News, February 20, 2009
This is the fifth excerpt (links to previous excerpts appear at the end) of a diary written by a seventh-grade girl from Swat in north-western Pakistan. She began her diary after the Taliban began closing girls’ schools and implementing Sharia law.

Taliban Who? Afghan Filmmakers Brave Off-screen Dramas
Christian Science Monitor, February 3, 2009
This article tells about several Afghan films in the making and the trials and tribulations of the filmmakers, including a female police officer/filmmaker.

First Afghan Woman Mayor Says Women's Rights Worsened
Reuters India, January, 15, 2009
Afghanistan first woman mayor was recently appointed, Azra Jafari, was recently appointed. In the article, Mayor Azra Jafari discusses the need for improving overall conditions in the province of Dai Kundi and raises the issue of women's rights in Afghanistan.

Afghan Girls, Scarred by Acid, Defy Terror, Embracing School
New York Times, January 13, 2009
In November, 14 girls were burned with acid in Kandahar—today, nearly all of the wounded girls are back at the Mirwais School for Girls, and almost all female students have returned.

Female Cops Test Traditional Gender Roles in Afghanistan
Christian Science Monitor, Jan 7, 2009
Featuring stories of two policewomen, this article covers the recent progress women have made in becoming members of the police force in Afghanistan and the daily challenges they face.

Two Gang-Rape Victims in Afghanistan Cry for Justice
RAWA News, December 30, 2008
This news report, which includes an interview on Afghan TV, tells the story of two young girls (ages 12 and 13) who were gang-raped.

First Skowhegan Sewing Project Helps Afghani Women
Morning Sentinel/Kennebec Journal, December, 24, 2008
To support the Afghanistan Women's Sewing Initiative, a Maine woman and her daughter sell handmade scarves and shawls made by Afghan women, returning all proceeds to the women who made them.

The Afghan Women Jailed for Being Victims of Rape
The Independent, August 18, 2008
In Afghanistan, many women convicted for illegal sexual relations are in fact victims of rape. This article recounts stories of some of the women sentenced to twenty years in Lashkar Gah prison.

Afghanistan's Epidemic of Child Rape
Time, August 17, 2008
This article details the increase of rape of children in Afghanistan's northern provinces.

Rape Getting a Public Airing in Afghanistan
Associated Press, August 11, 2008
Families of young girls who have been victims of rape are speaking out against the crimes.