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3/Women’s Rights

Women’s activism has and will continue to play a huge role in securing the rights of Afghan women. Like their counterparts around the world, Afghan women who successfully fight oppression emerge as bold, empowered leaders. While the murders of women who stand up, speak out, or just go to work or school may silence and paralyze some, these killings make other women more determined.

The Afghan constitution states, "The citizens of Afghanistan have equal rights and duties before the law." However, without a commitment to this ideal in Parliament and the ministries, the words are empty. It is up to Afghan women and the men who support them to make sure that these words are actually implemented.

Although the US government touted saving Afghan women as one reason for intervening in Afghanistan, it is now apparent that without substantial support from women around the world, and especially those in Afghanistan, the rights and gains of Afghan women will be jettisoned as the US searches for a face-saving exit from a realm of increasing religious fundamentalism.