Afghanistan’s first lady Rula Ghani officially inaugurated Moraa, the first-ever all women’s university in Afghanistan, last month.
Rising Support for Women’s Education in Afghanistan
A survey of the Afghan people by the Asia Foundation for 2015 found that 74% of Afghans support women’s access to higher education.
Deadly Earthquake in Afghanistan Kills Hundreds, Including 12 School Girls
Monday’s destructive earthquake in Afghanistan has left over 340 people dead in the northeastern provinces of Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan. Among the dead were 12 school girls who perished in a stampede, as they tried to flee their school in Taloqan, located in Takhar province of Afghanistan.
Kabul University to Open First Gender Studies Program in Afghanistan
Kabul University just launched its first Gender and Women’s studies graduate program, the first of its kind in all of Afghanistan. The two-year program is another important step for Afghan women in achieving equality and increasing opportunity. According to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the mission of this program is “to create a platform […]
President Assures There Will Be Justice for Farkhunda in Afghanistan Following Outcry by Women’s Rights Leaders
Leaders were outraged last week when the Appeals Court of Afghanistan reversed the death penalties issued in the murder case of Farkhunda, who was killed by an angry mob in March.
President Ghani Confirms: Four Women Ambassadors to be Appointed in Afghanistan
Ashraf Ghani, President of Afghanistan, announced that at least four women will be appointed as foreign diplomats, as well as made other promises for appointments of female government officials at varying levels of Afghanistan’s government. Last week, the Office of the President of Afghanistan tweeted that “at least four women ambassadors will be appointed to represent […]
Four Women Were Just Approved to Join the Cabinet of Afghanistan’s Unity Government
President Ashraf Ghani and CEO Abdullah Abdullah of Afghanistan held their promise to appoint four women in the new cabinet, and the nation’s lower house of Parliament approved them Saturday.
This Courageous One-Woman Protest Challenged Gender-Based Violence in Afghanistan
Kubra Khademi designed and wore an exaggerated breast and buttock armor in a crowded street of Kabul to condemn violence against women.
Women in Afghanistan Protest Lack of Representation in Cabinet
Women activists and civil society groups therefore walked the streets of Kabul yesterday, demanding that women’s voices be represented within the country’s cabinet.
Three Women Were Nominated for Cabinet Posts in Afghanistan’s Unity Government
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah announced 25 nominees for the Afghan cabinet yesterday.
UN Expert Calls for Action To End Violence Against Women in Afghanistan
United Nations Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women Rashida Manjoo returned last week from a nine-day official visit in Afghanistan with a call to the Afghan Government and the international community to continue its focus on creating sustainable solutions to reduce violence against women. This was Manjoo’s third visit to Afghanistan, and the Special Rapporteur noted many positive developments since her […]
Largest USAID Women’s Empowerment Program in the World Launched in Afghanistan
Called “Promote,” the program will invest up to $416 million dollars into the education, training, and promotion of Afghan women in civil society, government, and business.
Mullah Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Rape Under Afghanistan’s EVAW Law
Judge Mohammad Suliman Rasuli sentenced Mullah Mohammad Amin – a religious leader from Afghanistan – to 20 years in prison Saturday for the rape of a 10-year-old girl in Kunduz province.
Afghanistan’s New First Lady Advances Women’s Issues
Just a few days after moving to the presidential palace, Afghanistan’s new First Lady Rula Ghani said that she hopes to encourage greater respect for women.
Afghanistan and US Finalize Bilateral Security Agreement
In a nationally televised ceremony at the Presidential Palace just one day after President Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai took office, Afghanistan signed a major security agreement with the United States.
New President and National Unity Government Announced in Afghanistan
Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai is the next president of Afghanistan. Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, his opponent, will serve as Afghanistan’s new chief executive.
Wheels in Motion: Meet Afghanistan’s First All-Woman Bicycling Team
Women in Afghanistan are rediscovering a vehicle of freedom that has galvanized social change since the turn of the 20th century: the bicycle.
Court Sentences Seven Men for Gang Rape in Afghanistan
The vicious public attack received national attention and sparked outrage among Afghan women leaders.
$92 Million Project Will Improve Higher Education in Afghanistan
The US Agency for International Development announced a $92 million project to improve the higher education system in Afghanistan last week.
Afghanistan Celebrates 95th Anniversary of Independence
President Hamid Karzai and candidates Abdullah Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai attended a special ceremony to commemorate the day. US Secretary of State John Kerry issued a statement in honor of the celebration.