Since the fall of the Taliban in 2001, there has been progress in Afghanistan despite serious challenges. Elections were held in August 2009 and in 2004, a parliament was established and a constitution was adopted that respects human rights. The creation of an independent human rights commission and Ministry of Women's Affairs were also encouraging steps. Women's rights are now entrenched in the Afghan Constitution and the government of Afghanistan has committed to international treaties and conventions protecting human rights. Women, however, continue to face enormous obstacles and repression in Afghanistan.

 

Rights & Democracy works to ensure the full participation of Afghan women in the transformation of Afghan society. Our four-year project, A Measure of Equality for Afghan Women: Rights in Practice, supports the reform of family law, including the use of a national marriage contract, and increased awareness for Afghans on women's rights in the context of Islam through an extensive training program. The project is being carried out in six provinces: Kabul, Kandahar, Herat, Nangarhar, Balkh and Kunduz. Rights & Democracy has an Afghan-staffed office of 19 in Kabul.

 

In Afghanistan, our work is made possible thanks the financial support of