Women in Afghanistan: Their Role in the Political Future

Much water has flown since the Bonn 2001 Conference on the economic, political, religious, security and social situation in Afghanistan. In several subsequent meetings, including the Bonn 2011 Conference the focus was mainly on how to contain the Taliban and tackle the different economic, law and order, political, security and social problems in the post-Taliban period. However, the plight of women, the worst sufferers during this period did not receive adequate attention. Without securing the position and status of women from Taliban influenced elements and the traditional Islamic patriarchal society, it is naïve to think that the political future of Afghanistan will be peaceful and prosperous.