AWPL Network

“If the world recognizes the Taliban, even if the economy improves, here is what else will happen: Political parties will not be active in Afghanistan - there will be no civic or political activities. Women and men will work separately - this does not even exist in Saudi Arabia. Violence against women will increase. Intelligence will leave Afghanistan.We will not have individual freedom. Everyone will be busy with religious extremism and modern science will be forgotten. People will think about men's beards and women’s Hijab instead of focusing on improving their standard of living. Everyone will be depressed and miserable. There will be no enthusiasm and happiness in Afghanistan. No one will sing. And the people of Afghanistan will become like the walking dead.

I want an Afghanistan that is free from all forms of violence and gender discrimination. And its people, like birds, should be free and happy and full of laughter. This is the wish we all have in our hearts, this is why we created this network.

In this proud country of democracy, in this historic house, we are promising to our people and to the whole world that we will never stop our struggles and we will give our people voice and the promise of a better future.” Shagufa Noorzai شگوفه نورزۍ MP & steering committee member of the Afghan Women Parliamentarians and Leaders Network, closing its inaugural event with a promise and a message of hope. Old Parliament House, Athens, April 5.