16 Days of Activism Against Gender Apartheid in Afghanistan

The term gender apartheid refers to the economic and social sexual discrimination against individuals because of their gender or sex. It is a system enforced by using either physical or legal practices to relegate individuals to subordinate positions.

Afghan women fought for their rights long before 2001. For 20 years, as part of the US-led coalition in Afghanistan, Australia publicly backed their progress. The rapid withdrawal of international forces from Afghanistan left many communities, especially women and girls at grave risk. The Australian Government now has a responsibility not to walk away.

We're calling on the Australian Government to use its diplomatic influence to support recognition of gender apartheid under international law and follow through on accountability for the Taliban's crimes against women and girls.

"I had a lot of goals and dreams. I wanted to get education, and achieved my goals. Now I feel so sad because when I try hard and harder, the Talibant becomes crueler. When I heard that the Taliban doesn't permit girls to lean, I accepted that they are foolish and cruel people in this world because they shut the light on a country which comes from education and knowledge. I can never give up and I will never submit to this foolish government. I will never give up on learning new lessons in my life." - Husna, Afghan High School Student

"I can never give up and I will never submit to this foolish government [the Taliban regime]. I will never give up on learning new lessons in my life."

"The doors of schools are closed on us, we are banned from entering school and are prevented from working outside. Why have we been robbed from our basic rights? Is being a girl and women a crime? As I have learned, Islam has given us more rights than men have but what the Taliban are doing against us is against Islam. All I dream about is that to be able to go to school and learn something to make my country a better place. Is it too much to dream for?" - Diana, Afghan High School Student

"All I dream about is that to be able to go to school and learn something to make my country a better place. Is it too much to dream for?"

"I am a 4th-grade student at Kabul University. When I say Kabul University, my eyes fill with tears. I and the Afghan girls of my country worked hard to reach and succeed in university and to have a bright future, a future that does not exist anymore because of an ignorant and extremist group. In the history of Afghanistan, only the Taliban have instituted policies banning girls' education. In no Muslim-majority country, anywhere in the world, are girls deprived of education. The first time I heard this news, I felt silent and suddenly tears flowed from my eyes. I still have no words to describe the pain I feel in my heart. If this decision of the Taliban is not canceled and the people and the international community remain silent in front of such oppression that is being done to us Afghan girls and women, we will witness a disaster that will not be compensated for by the next generations." - Setara, Afghan University Student

"If this decision of the Taliban is not canceled and the people and the international community remain silent in front of such oppression that is being done to us Afghan girls and women, we will witness a disaster that will not be compensated for by the next generations"

"In new decrees, this group [the Taliban regime] has blocked women from amusement parks, gyms, closed women's bathrooms and restaurants. In the first days of the collapse of the republican regime, they closed the gates of girls' schools and said that female students should stay at home until further notice. Now, more than 5 years have passed that the doors of girls' schools above the sixth grade are closed." - Naseema, Afghan School Student

"More than 5 years have passed that the doors of girls' schools above the sixth grade are closed."

Keep a look out for videos and other content by Afghan women and girls to help amplify.

Wednesday 25 November
12:30-2:30pm
Outside Parliament House
Speakers and joint action in collaboration with Refugee Action Campaign, 12:30pm-1:30pm

RSVP NOW & SAVE YOUR SPOT: Through Our Eyes: Art by Women and Girls in Afghanistan

In collaboration with Afghans for Progressive Thinking (APT) and Refugee Action Campaign, we invite you to an exclusive free art exhibition 'Through Our Eyes: Art by Women and Girls in Afghanistan', and action to put gender apartheid front and centre for Australian decision-makers.

Please join us for the main event between 12:30-1:30PM outside Parliament House where we will come together to hear from speakers including Fatima Frotan Afghan Human Rights Advocate to stand in solidarity with the women and girls of Afghanistan. We will take photos and engage politicians and media during the main event.

27 November - 10 December (closed 8 Dec)
Opening: 27 Nov 6PM-8PM with guest speaker Hosna Saif & other speakers
Other Dates: 1-10 Dec (Tues-Thurs) 10AM-2PM
Pitt Street Uniting Church, 264 Pitt Street, Sydney

RSVP NOW & SAVE YOUR SPOT: Through Our Eyes: Art by Women and Girls in Afghanistan

In collaboration with Afghans for Progressive Thinking, we invite you to an exclusive free art exhibition 'Through Our Eyes: Art by Women and Girls in Afghanistan' to get a glimpse into the life, challenges, and hopes of Afghan women and girls experiencing gender apartheid under the Taliban regime.

RSVP now and join us on 27th November from 6:00PM for the exhibition opening in at the Pitt Street Uniting Church where we will come together to hear from guest speaker Hosna Saif an Afghan artist, law student and women's rights advocate and stand in solidarity with the women and girls of Afghanistan.