Fereshta Abassi, Chevening Scholar, University of Aberdeen, UK, Master of Law in International Law and Strategic Studies, 2019- 2020; Herat University, Bachelor of Law (Public and Private Law) and Politics, 2012-2013; member, Afghanistan and UK bars

Topic: An Overview of Afghanistan’s Current Situation in Terms of Women’s Rights     

Abstract:

The international community’s decision to withdraw troops from Afghanistan had raised fears that the hard-gained achievements -- including laws protecting women’s rights -- might be at risk. Now with the Taliban taking over the country, they have shown few signs that they are changing their idea of gender roles and relations in their political and legal system. They are selective in what rights to grant to women, with this selection appearing to be driven by a purely militant and deeply narrow reading of Islamic sources. This seminar will cover the deepest concerns of Afghan women living under an extremist government.