The vice-president of the European Parliament, Heidi Hautala, said that European countries do not want to be in the situation of recognizing the current Afghan government before changes have been made in the lives of Afghan women. 

The European Parliament hosted a two-day summit on Afghan women on February 1-2.

“We need to be very, very careful so that we don’t end up in the situation where important countries including the European Union member states and EU as such will give recognition to the Taliban and things just continue as they are today… millions and millions of women are kept inside their homes,” Hautala said.  

Women’s status in Afghanistan, the release of women protestors, the increase of humanitarian aid as well as the preconditions of the international community for recognition of the Afghan government, were topics at the summit.  

The Islamic Emirate said efforts are underway to appoint women to government posts.  

“The Islamic Emirate is taking gradual steps and is trying to fill the vacuum. You are aware that two women were appointed to government posts,” said Bilal Karimi, deputy spokesman for the Islamic Emirate.  

Participants at the summit urged the international community to extend their aid to the people of Afghanistan without recognizing the current Afghan government.  

“The wish of Afghan women is natural and righteous. Respect their human rights: the right to work, to be politically included, the right to education and the right to have a responsible government, are their wishes,” said Fawzia Kofi, a former member of the parliament.