Tag Archives: afghanistan

16 Days of Action Against Gender Violence

Yesterday WILPF was in the Scottish Parliament as part of the no women no peace campaign wearing green scarves to support women’s rights in Afghanistan, activists presented the scarves to all MSPs, in time for International Day Against Violence Against Women, and the start of the 16 Days of Action Against Violence against Women 2011.

The theme for 16 Days of Action against Violence against Women 2011 is ‘From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World. Let’s Challenge Militarism and End Violence Against Women’. WILPF sees supporting human rights for Afghan women, and women’s involvement in the political process as also an essential part of finding better alternatives to violence in the region. The Scottish branch of WILPF invites everyone to support the call for international negotiations to include women in peacebuilding activities here in UK and in Afghanistan, and at the international conference in Bonn to discuss transition arrangements for Afghanistan.

Parliamentary motion S4M-01392 has been presented by Humza Yousaf MSP to the Scottish Parliament as part of the campaign.

S4M-01392 Humza Yousaf (Scottish National Party): That the Parliament is pleased to reaffirm its commitment to the cause of ending violence against women; supports the eve of the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence campaign this year, which is themed “From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World”; understands that, despite the improvement in the situation of women in Afghanistan over 10 years, it is considered one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a woman; recognises that international negotiations for transition, international long-term engagement and peace and reconciliation will take place before the end of the 16 days in Bonn, Germany; supports the UK Government in ensuring that women’s voices are heard before, during and after these talks in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolution 1325, which recognises that an understanding of the impact of armed conflict on women and girls and effective institutional arrangements to guarantee their protection and full participation in the peace process can significantly contribute to the maintenance and promotion of international peace and security; thanks the Scottish branch of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom for the green scarves to be worn during the 16 days to highlight and support Afghan women’s rights, and notes its ongoing work in making known the links between domestic violence and war.

Scottish WILPF support Afghan women

Monday October 31st
Scottish WILPF  are going to be wearing green scarves, leafleting and petitioning in support of Afghan women at Gibbs Entry, Clerk Street Edinburgh from 12.00 till 2.00pm

When the UK and USA entered Afghanistan in 2001, they promised to improve the lives of Afghan women. As we approach the discussions which will take place on the future for Afghanistan in Bonn, Germany on the 5th December, we need to ensure that women’s voices are heard and that the UK Government makes – and keeps – a firm commitment to including women.

Today, 31st October, women are wearing green scarves in solidarity with Afghan Women and  holding vigils all over the world in support of Afghan women.

Join us! We will have green scarves at the vigil, and you can also sign our petition and write a letter to your MP at the vigil or on line, in support of women’s rights in Afghanistan.

If you can be there for ten minutes or for the whole time, you will be welcome.

Women have the right to shape peace and to contribute to rebuilding their societies. However over the last twenty five years only 1 in 40 peace signatories have been women. Women’s experiences of conflict and the contribution they make in their communities go unnoticed in formal peace building processes. Help make the change.

Guide to Supporting Women’s Rights in Afghanistan

Over the coming months, the No women, no peace. campaign will be focusing on women’s rights in Afghanistan. No Women, no peace have been holding workshops throughout the UK and are asking activists to take action in their local communities.

This campaign toolkit provides a handy guide to the issues facing Afghan women, the need to have their voices heard in transition talks, and suggestions on how to take action in solidarity with Afghan women where you live. Click here to download the toolkit.

Several activities are planned in the coming months around the 10 year anniversary of military intervention in Afghanistan and peace talks in Bonn. Check back here for more information on what is planned by groups across the country. We are asking activists across the UK to stand in solidarity with women in Afghanistan and take action.