Peace talks: Baghlan gathering wants women’s rights protected

PUL-I-KHUMRI (Pajhwok): Dozens of women activists held a gathering in northern Baghlan province, demanding protection of women rights in peace talks.

Zohal Saifi, the provincial gender department head, said if women were not given a satisfactory role in the peace process, their rights would be ignored.

She added they wanted the Afghan government and the international community to defend the rights of Afghan women seriously.

Zarmina  Watanpala, a member of human rights commission, said that without the widespread participation of women in the peace process, they would not accept any decision in this regard – a demand echoed by other women.

Mufti Abdul Halim Safdar, an official the Independent Directorate of Local Governance, said the government and the international community should ensure women’s greater participation in the peace process.

Bk/ma