Mediothek Balkh (Mawlana Peace Hosue) organized an event to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The event was attended by more than seventy participants representing head of local govern institution such women affairs department, information and culture, representatives of civil society organizations, academics, women rights advocates, student and citizens.
Speaking at the opening of the event, Miothek Balkh Coordinator, Mohammad Saber Naqshbadi, acknowledge the financial supporter of the program, GIZ and said that “women make up half of the population of the world, but the portion of humanity has always endured more than its share of suffering and plight throughout human history, and a huge part of the suffering is inflicted by men across the globe and this needs to stop and this can only be stopped if we all unite to raise our voices against violence against women – and this is what we are going to do by organizing the event.”
Director of the provincial depart of women affairs, read the message of the Minister of the Women Affairs, calling on the public to unite in the fight against violence against women.
The Minister’s letter encourages citizens and people from all walks of live to join the 16-day campaign on ending violence against women. “let’s unite and work together by strengthening cohesion, cooperation, providing financial support and accountability to free Afghanistan from all forms of violence,” read the letter.
Abdul Qadir Mozbah, Head of public social institution, Kha-e-Now, spoke about violence against women and extremism, stating that most cases of violence and especially violence against women has roots in extremism and extremist mentality. Her added that extremists challenge diversity and change in society and when they face resistance their response is one of violence.
The event comprised of several segments such as formal speeches by experts and government officials, panel discussion, theater and music. The panel discussion provided an opportunity for scholars and experts to analyze the roots of violence against women and identify mechanisms for addressing violence against women given the complex social structures of Afghanistan. Participants had the opportunity to ask question and participate in discourse with the experts.
Mediothek Afghanistan has been women on advancing women rights for almost two decades in Afghanistan by organizing such events, providing training and capacity programs and advocacy. This event is supported by GIZ and German Cooperation.
