The International Peace Research Institute (PRIO), in cooperation with the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, organized a conference entitled “Peacebuilding in Afghanistan: How To Reach the Women,” on 15 November 2005. The conference addressed the issues facing Afghan women during the Taliban regime and recognized the need for inclusion of women in “peace, security and development processes within the country.” (cited in: Peacebuilding in Afghanistan: How To Reach the Women).
While the situation for Afghan women has improved from six years ago, many obstacles remain to be overcome. Continuing security threats hinder progress for everyone. Women in Afghanistan face additional challenges due to gender-based violence. Furthermore, Afghan women involved in public services encounter unique difficulties because of “conservative traditional norms and cultural practices.” (cited in: Peacebuilding in Afghanistan: How To Reach the Women).
New laws addressing some of these issues have been passed. They must be properly implemented, however, to become effective in safeguarding the rights of women in Afghanistan.
Compilled from: "Peacebuilding in Afghanistan: How To Reach the Women," ReliefWeb, 16 February 2008.