Interview with Mary Nabard Ayeen, Afghanistan
Can you give us an example of a time your rights have been violated?
During the dark period of Taliban rule women were banned from leaving the house and moving about in the city. One day, I went to fetch my children from school. A member of the Taliban beat me up with a cable. This was an awful experience. I was so worried about the whole situation at the time - women were imprisoned within the four walls of their homes and their education was stifled. The Taliban's rules led to a shortage of female teachers, and the consequent emergence of an illiterate generation.
What gives you hope for the future?
Article 22 of the Constitution, enshrining gender equality, is an innovation. Similarly, the international community's support for the women of Afghanistan is a positive development. The highlights of the past decade are the presence of women on various scenes including the social, cultural, and political scene.
What do you see as an important achievement of the new era in Afghanistan?
The developments I just mentioned are the major achievements. Furthermore, the establishment of civil society institutions working for women's rights is also an important achievement of the past decade.
Can you give us an example of a time your rights have been violated?
During the dark period of Taliban rule women were banned from leaving the house and moving about in the city. One day, I went to fetch my children from school. A member of the Taliban beat me up with a cable. This was an awful experience. I was so worried about the whole situation at the time - women were imprisoned within the four walls of their homes and their education was stifled. The Taliban's rules led to a shortage of female teachers, and the consequent emergence of an illiterate generation.
What gives you hope for the future?
Article 22 of the Constitution, enshrining gender equality, is an innovation. Similarly, the international community's support for the women of Afghanistan is a positive development. The highlights of the past decade are the presence of women on various scenes including the social, cultural, and political scene.
What do you see as an important achievement of the new era in Afghanistan?
The developments I just mentioned are the major achievements. Furthermore, the establishment of civil society institutions working for women's rights is also an important achievement of the past decade.