International Day of Democracy is a reminder of the fundamental principles of human rights, political participation, freedom of expression, and social justice—principles that cannot be fully realized without the active role of women in society. Today, as the world commemorates this day, the state of democracy in Afghanistan is severely undermined, and millions of Afghan women and girls are deprived of their basic rights.
Since the Taliban takeover, the fundamental rights of women and girls—including access to education, employment, political participation, freedom of expression, and essential social services—have been systematically violated. Many women have been denied the right to make decisions in their personal, family, and social lives. These restrictions have led to increased poverty, inequality, and psychological and social harm within Afghan society.
This situation not only infringes on women’s rights but also threatens the entire social, political, and economic structure of the country. Sustainable development and stability are only possible through the active participation of all segments of society, particularly women. Silencing women, halting girls’ education, and restricting their public engagement endanger the future of generations to come.
The Afghan Women’s Justice Movement calls on the international community, human rights organizations, and global institutions to intensify pressure on the Taliban, support the fundamental rights of women and girls, and create conditions that allow Afghan people to participate freely in political, economic, and social decision-making processes.
We, the Afghan Women’s Justice Movement, are committed to amplifying the voices of women and girls inside and outside the country, advocating for gender equality and human rights, and continuing our struggle until genuine democracy and civic freedoms are restored in Afghanistan. Democracy cannot exist without the full and equal participation of women and men, and we will continue our efforts until this fundamental principle is achieved.
We also call on the people of Afghanistan to stand together with awareness, solidarity, and resilience, raising their voices to defend human and democratic rights, and to ensure that the future of their country is not determined without their active participation.
Afghanistan Women’s Justice Movement
