Berkeley Forum

Dear friends--

October 7th 2006 marks the 5th anniversary of the start of Operation Enduring Freedom. The plight of Afghan women for equality, justice and peace made headlines five years ago. However, violence against women is on rise in public and private spheres. During my visit to Kabul in May 2003 as part of Women Intercultural delegation, Afghan women repeatedly expressed their concerns and asked us to bring this message to their American sisters and society at large. " Do not forget us". All the recent reports indicates that the Taliban culture and it's presence is at rise in the life of Afghan women . It is a harsh reality of our world that women's rights, security and empowerment is a benchmark of the presence of religious extremism/fundamentalism. No matter in Iran, India or Afghanistan , the regressive forces attempt to redefine the position of women at home and in society and violate their rights as an equal human being. " Oppression can only survive through silence " and that is the reason that Afghan women will not be silent and coming to the streets of Kabul to protest the rise in honor killings.....

Peace,
Elaheh