On Monday evening, President Trump announced to the country that the war in Afghanistan would move forward and that he would increase troop levels, but failed to include details over strategy or how success would be measured in a conflict that has now stretched on for over 16 years.
Afghan Girls’ Robotics Team Competes in International Competition
The Afghan girls’ robotics team that struggled to get U.S. approval to enter the country for an international competition were granted silver medals on Tuesday for their “courageous achievement”.
Afghan Female Pilot Flies Around the World to Inspire Women
Shaesta Waiza, the youngest certified female pilot from Afghanistan and the founder of Dreams Soar, is flying around the world to serve as an inspiration for other women and girls.
Feminist Protest Pressure Trump Administration to Grant Afghan Girls Robotics Team Visas
The Department of Homeland Security has issued humanitarian paroles to the Afghan all-girls robotics team that had been previously denied State Department visas to come to Washington DC for an international robotics competition. The girls have now arrived in the United States for ten days to compete in the FIRST Global Challenge.
US Denies Visas to Afghan Girls Robotics Team, Sparks Feminist Protest
The teenagers risked their lives making the 500-mile journey across Afghanistan twice to interview for visas at the U.S. embassy in Kabul— the site of several recent deadly attacks. Despite their efforts to secure a 7-day visa, the girls were rejected.
First TV Channel for Women Launches in Afghanistan
The TV station, which focuses on women’s voices and women’s issues, has an all-female staff of presenters and producers.
Feminist Majority Foundation Holds Congressional Briefing on Progress for Afghan Women and Girls
Featured presenters included Dr. Sima Samar, former Afghan Minister of Women’s Affairs and current Chairperson of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission; Gaisu Yari, former advisor to the Afghan Ministry of Women’s Affairs and a masters’ student in International Relations at Colombia University; and Belquis Ahmadi, Senior Program Officer at the United States Institute of Peace.
Devastating Kabul Bomb Kills 90, Wounds 400
The suicide bomb was detonated at 8:22 am near Zanbaq Square, a busy market and diplomatic area. The attack, which hit just days after the start of Ramadan, targeted civilians, killing many innocent women and children.
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Seeking to Spark “New Conversations,” Young Afghan Women Create Women’s Magazine
The editor of Afghanistan’s new women’s magazine knows that her publication, Gellera, which features fashion tips alongside information about women’s health and legal rights, may be met with criticism from some within Afghanistan. But, Fatana Hassanzada, 23, is not deterred. “Without agitation, we won’t reach an equilibrium,” she told the New York Times.
Afghanistan Now Has 260 Female Judges
During the Taliban regime that fell sixteen years ago, there were no female judges.
American University of Afghanistan Has Reopened Following Terrorist Attack
The American University of Afghanistan (AUAF) in Kabul has recently reopened after being close for seven months following a terror attack that left at least thirteen dead including seven students and one professor.
Afghanistan’s First Female Orchestra
Named after a Persian literature goddess of music, the orchestra’s founder, Ahmed Naser Sarmast, hopes they can help revive Afghanistan’s rich musical tradition that has been muted after decades of war.
Afghanistan Sees Increase in Conflict Related Civilian Casualties
According to the UNAMA annual report on the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict, civilian casualties in Afghanistan increased by 3.7% last year, comprising 11,418 conflict-related civilian casualties with 3,498 killed and 7,920 injured. Since 2009 the conflict in Afghanistan has claimed the lives of 24,841 civilians and injured 45,347.
Survey of Afghan People Reveals Hesitations and Signs of Hope
The Asia Foundation, a nonprofit international development organization, has released its 12th annual Afghan opinion survey entitled Afghanistan in 2016: A Survey of the Afghan People.
Trump’s Request for Global Gender Equity Program Details Leaves Many Fearing for their Future
This week the Trump transition team requested documents from the State Department outlining the details of their programs aimed at promoting gender equality, sending shock-waves through the Department and advocacy communities over fears that the programs might be cut.
Afghanistan Women’s Advancement: Progress Report
Despite the persistent Taliban terrorist attacks, Afghanistan is a nation that continues to make considerable progress.
Update on American University of Afghanistan Attack
On Wednesday armed militants stormed the grounds housing the American University of Afghanistan in Kabul, killing at least 14 people and wounding more than 35 others during the ten hour long siege.
Attack Underway at American University of Afghanistan
The American University of Afghanistan in Kabul is currently under attack, reportedly by the Taliban.
Afghan Women are Paving the Way for Future Athletes
This week, Afghanistan’s Kimia Yusufi competed against the best of the best in the 100-meter track heat at the 2016 Summer Olympics. She was one of three athletes, and the only woman, representing Afghanistan in Rio.
Obama Announces Continued Troop Presence in Afghanistan
President Barack Obama announced Wednesday that the U.S. military intends to withdraw 5,500 troops from Afghanistan by the end of 2016, leaving 8,400 troops in country to provide local security and tailored support.
