Don’t forget the women of Afghanistan
Video documentary: Tradition, War & Freedom
By Zarghona Rassa
Press Release on October 30th 2006
British- Afghan Women Society is showing exclusive footage filmed only three weeks ago in Afghanistan of women speaking about their lives five years after the fall of the Taliban.
A window of opportunity was opened for the afghan women and girls in 2001, when the International community entered Afghanistan. Women’s rights are protected by law in the paper but the reality on the ground is different. There is a huge need for urgent action by the international community so the gains made with in the years are not last once again.
ENDS
Media Information
1. Press Enquiries to Zarghona Rassa
2. email zrassa@wwmail.co.uk
3. Copies of the DVD, Tradition, War and Freedom produced by Zarghona Rassa
of the British-Afghan Women’s Society, are limited but could be made
available, as well as hours of footage for the of media on request.
4. The film producer Zarghona Rassa, will be available for interviews.
Background Information
British Afghan Women’s Society
The objects of the BAWS are:
a) To relive financial hardship, sickness and distress by providing information and support amongst women, in particular those of Afghan descent living in Afghanistan.
b) Any charitable purpose for the benefit of women and children in London from the Afghan community and also women refugees of other ethnic origins, in particular the provision of education and training, relief and unemployment, relief of isolation and poverty and the provision of advice, information and support.”
The British - Afghan Women’s Society (BAWS) was first set up in February
2001.
Ms. Zarghona Rassa: Chairperson of British Afghan Women’s Society
Contact tel: 0208 352 3496 / 07956 471 078
Relevant National and International Commitments of Afghanistan:
The UN Convention of the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW),
ratified by the Afghan government in 2003 requires state parties to take
"all appropriate measures, including legislation, to ensure the full
development and advancement of women, for the purpose of guaranteeing them
the exercise and enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms on a
basis of equality with men"(article 3).
In addition UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which the Afghanistan is obliged to implement, reaffirms the need to implement fully international humanitarian and human rights law that protects the rights of women and girls during and after conflicts.
The Afghan Constitution also states that ‘the citizens of Afghanistan – whether man or woman – have equal rights and duties before the law’.
UK National Action Plan on UN Security Council Resolution 1325:
The UK Government has launched an action plan setting out how the UK will
implement UN Security Resolution 1325. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office
(FCO), Ministry of Defence (MOD), Department of International Development
(DFID), and other Government departments are all equal stakeholders in the
implementation of the plan which outlines a commitment to ensuring women's
rights are central to peacekeeping and peace building operations. As such,
the UK Government is committed to ensuring protection, empowerment and participation
of women at every level within its strategy in Afghanistan.
