Establishing the International Afghan Women’s Network to Advocate for Women’s Rights and Empowerment

A group of women and women’s rights advocates have established an international civil organization called the "Afghan Women’s Network International" (AWNI) in New York, USA. According to Mari Akrami, the purpose of founding this organization is to amplify the voices of Afghan women and fight for their rights. This network has been formed in New York with the collaboration of women activists from around the world to defend the rights of Afghan women and empower them.

The Afghan Women’s Network was one of the first civil society organizations focused on women’s empowerment in Afghanistan, operating with its main office in Kabul during the previous Republic of Afghanistan. The network worked on various aspects of women’s rights within Afghan society. However, following the Taliban’s resurgence in Afghanistan in August 2021, the network’s activities inside the country were severely restricted. Many of its members and activists were forced to flee the country, while others remained confined to their homes.

Ms. Akrami has stated that although the network’s office in Afghanistan continues to operate on a limited basis, it will also work in exile to coordinate among Afghan women, provide assistance to them, and enhance their capacities. Referring to the increasing restrictions imposed on Afghan women by the Taliban, she emphasized that in the current circumstances, coordinated and purposeful efforts by Afghan women’s rights activists are needed more than ever.