RAWARevolutionary Association of the Women of

Afghanistan

What is the problem? Communist Peoples Democratic

Party of Afghanistan-1978: introduced reforms to cultural practices that denounced the role of women

Mujahidin: a coalition of Islamist tribal groups fought to push Soviet groups out of Afghanistan. After Soviet withdrawl, the country exploded into a civil war. The victimization and impoverishment of women was a result.

What is the problem? Rise of Taliban-1994: enforced strict, sometimes

violent, laws to secure the position of women in an effort to “fulfill the dictates” of Islam.

Lack of Women's Rights in Post-Taliban Afghanistan (present day): Will the government of Afghanistan ratify the Convention for

the elimination of all forms of Gender Discrimination against Women? (CEDAW)

Will women in Afghanistan be able to enjoy their rights to the full extension due to religious mandates?

How long will it take for new government to respond to internally misplaced women-refugees?

Where is the primary region of focus? The primary focus of this problem lies within unstable governmental

regions in Afghanistan. Because religion dictates any action in relation to law, the nation has no concept of the right of women. Although it may sound cliché, women are regarded as property. In an Afghan household, a man’s young son may often receive recognition and respect above a man’s wife.

What is RAWA? Revolutionary Association of the

Women of Afghanistan Established in Kabul, Afghanistan

1977 Political/social organization of

women fighting for equal rights and justice in Afghanistan

The goal of RAWA is to increase the number of involved women in political and social positions in Afghanistan.

What is RAWA doing NOW?“RAWA believes that freedom and democracy can’t be donated;

it is the duty of the people of a country to fight and achieve these values. Under the US-supported government, the

sworn enemies of human rights, democracy and secularism have gripped their claws over our country and attempt to

restore their religious fascism on our people.”

What is RAWA doing NOW?

RAWA rep. accepts Sixth Asian Human Rights Award Dec. 7, 2001.

RAWA representative with Japanese supporters, March 16, 2004

Dec. 16, 2006: Situation of Human Rights in Afghanistan International Symposium

How can I help? Subscribe to RAWA’s mailing list so that you may

stay informed about RAWA happenings worldwide! http://www.rawa.org/ml.htm

Sources Cited "Women in Afghanistan." Women's Rights

Resources Web.3 Jun 2009. <http://www.law-lib.utoronto.ca/diana/afghanwomen.htm>.

"About RAWA." Revolutionary Association of Women's Rights in Afghanistan Web.3 Jun 2009. <http://www.rawa.org/rawa.html >.

"Photo Album of RAWA Tours." Revolutionary Association of Women's Rights in AFghanistan Web.3 Jun 2009. <http://www.rawa.org/tours/tours.htm >.