“If I don’t become rebellious, who’s going to become rebellious? I am not afraid of Taliban.” These powerful words were spoken by Arzo Naubahar, a passionate Women’s Rights Activist, during a ground-breaking conference, organised by the Afghanistan and Central Asian Association (ACAA). The event, hosted by the renowned British charity, founded in 2000, focussed on the pressing concerns of the people in Afghanistan, in particular of the girls facing starvation and discrimination, and the global diaspora events that have followed this historic takeover.
The conference brought together an esteemed panel of experts, including of the Founder and Director of the ACAA, Dr. Nooralhaq Nasimi MBE; Zahra Joya an Afghan journalist and the founder of Rukhshana Media; Professor Anna Gupta, a leading professor of social work from Royal Holloway University of London; and Phil Davis, an esteemed Education and Training Consultant. The event was skilfully moderated by Darius Nasimi and featured a beautiful and touching recitation of Afghan poetry by a group of refugee children named the Voices of Resilience.
Shortly after the event began, the attendees were asked to observe a minute of silence. This tribute, by the Women’s Movement of Afghanistan, was marked by members standing at the front of the hall holding placards while draped in fabrics embroidered with impactful words such as ‘Education’, ‘Life’ and ‘Freedom’. This display served as a symbol of solidarity and respect for those suffering under Taliban rule in Afghanistan.
The panel discussion delved into the harsh realities of the past three years under Taliban control and the profound impact on the people of Afghanistan, especially women and children. Zahra Joya highlighted how Afghan women have continued to resist in various ways, both within and outside of Afghanistan. Professor Gupta spoke about the trauma many Afghan women face even after arriving in the UK, emphasising the challenges they encounter in accessing services, education, and support, which are critical for their integration into a new environment.
An interactive session followed, where the audience members asked questions that further deepened the conversation. One attendee raised an important point, suggesting that in addition to educating women, there should be a bigger emphasis on educating men to strengthen the resistance against the Taliban. Phil Davis built on this idea, stating that “we need to be more proactive in educating males and countering what they are being told”. Professor Gupta added that it is necessary to challenge the ideology of men so that they can “support their women to be independent and empowered.”
During the discussion, a challenging yet thought-provoking question was posed by a young girl in the audience. She asked the panel, ‘Who created the Taliban and why did they do it? And why are they against education?”. Zahra addressed the need to explore the roots and the motivations of these groups and explained how “we should ask where these groups come from” to truly assess who they are and what their agenda is. Phil expressed his deep concern at the fact that the Taliban has managed to regain control for a second time, he emphasised the need for the international community to take more decisive measures surrounding this ongoing issue, particularly regarding education.
The discussion also addressed why Afghanistan has been forgotten and why the UK has not implemented stronger policies to combat the Taliban’s regime. Phil voiced his hope that the new government will take a firmer stance than its predecessor, insisting that more pressure must be put on the Taliban. Dr. Nasimi shared how the Afghanistan and Central Asian Association has drafted a new roadmap for Afghanistan, aiming to offer a strategic vision for the country’s future.
As the event drew to a close, the panellists expressed optimism and determination for the future. Professor Gupta stated that in her belief, “we have to keep celebrating the positive that the Muslim community and Islam give to our society”, and continue to “share cultural events and celebrate really important things about Afghani culture.” Phil expressed that there needs to be programmes put in place to enable those who are unemployed to find their footing and establish themselves. This will provide them with the necessary tools and opportunities to become socially developed so that they can do more to ensure the improvement of not just their own lives but the lives of their family members too. Zahra shed light on the reality that in Afghanistan there is “an ideological war”, where citizens are deprived of the freedom to express their views or criticise the Taliban. Their independence has been stripped away leaving them voiceless. She called on the audience, reminding them of their moral duty and responsibility as a nation, urging them that “We should be the voice of those who are silent.”
The evening ended on a note of deep reflection and a collective commitment to action, leaving all in attendance inspired to actively contribute to the cause and stand in solidarity with the people of Afghanistan.
By Mariyam Akram, Legal intern