By Marilyn Angelucci, President WFWP Afghanistan
The event was broadcast to Europe, USA, Asia and the Middle East. It was initiated by WFWP
MENA and WFWP Afghanistan and held in commemoration of the UN International Day for the
Prevention of Violent Extremism. There were around 70 connections accessed at the height of
the event.
The speakers were all from Afghanistan, living in different parts of the world. The participants
were all enthusiastic about the contents of the presentations and they later engaged in an active
discussion.
Many women and men are concerned about the situation of young girls in Afghanistan and the
fact that their education has been banned by the current authorities.
We had the opportunity to hear firsthand testimonies of young women personally affected by
these horrific policies and how these policies impacted on their own lives and those of their
loved ones.
This event was inspired by a young Afghan girl refugee, now living in Australia, who contacted
us and who is an activist for girls’ education in Afghanistan. She showed one of her homemade
videos that she is regularly posting on YouTube protesting the banning of girls from school in
her country. We heard her moving story and the impact the current situation is having on her
friends and relatives still living there.
Next, the husband of an Afghan activist working in Vienna, explained his wife’s activities through
her NGO “Afghan Girl” and her media work. He wonderfully represented his wife, who was
unwell that evening, demonstrating their powerful cooperation for the cause of the girls’
education.
Finally, another activist with much experience inside and outside Afghanistan talked about her
experience when she was banned from school in the earlier occupation of the extremist group
and how she was able to grow and push forward after the restrictions were lifted. She is
supporting other Afghan girls. She introduced her friend, a talented artist. We had the
opportunity to listen to the meaning of some of her amazing artwork, which express the dilemma
of the Afghan girls and the hopes and dreams they still hold despite the limitations of their
environment.
We concluded the event with inspiring words from the WFWP MENA President, Dr. Zoe Bennett
after which we were treated to a show of our artist friend’s works accompanied by lovely Afghan
music.
Overall, the participants were moved by the event, and many expressed the desire for us to
continue the efforts to bring attention to this tragedy happening at our age under our watch. As
members of the Women’s Federation for World Peace we need to bring attention to such painful
situations and mobilize the international community.
"Recording on request at bennettza@gmail.com
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