A number of human rights defenders in a gathering in Turkey called on the international community to pay attention to the rights of women and girls, particularly girls’ access to education, in Afghanistan. 

The gathering was held in Istanbul.  

“For how long will the problem of Afghan women continue like this?” said Asifa Saba, a human rights defender.

Meanwhile, the Islamic Emirate said that it has ensured the rights of women across the country. 

“The women are included in a lot of government positions where they are needed and they continue their work. Some of them who are not provided with work, their salaries are being paid at their homes,” Islamic Emirate spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said.  

This comes as the women’s rights defenders said that such gatherings should be attended by female activists who are fighting for their rights inside Afghanistan.  

“The gathering, which took place in Ankara, will not bring any result and I am sure it was just at the level of a meeting. There has been no attention toward the situation of Afghanistan’s women,” said Zholia Parsa, a women’s rights defender.  

The meeting was held on August 26.