A joint call by Silli Ghaffar and Mina Ahadi for a more pro-active campaign in Afghanistan’s women’s rights campaign

A week ago in Kabul, the Capital city of Afghanistan, the 27-year old Farkhonda was murdered in the most brutal way by a mob of fanatic and ignorant men. Announcing that Farkhonda had burnt the Quran, the mob murdered her in a barbaric manner and burnt her body.

The reaction of the women and people of Afghanistan to this tragedy was so powerful and united that it forced the government to arrest a few people and fire some police officers. Of course, at least four government officials had already defended this crime and some people believe this barbaric act was plotted by a few heads of Islamic misogynist parties to spread fear among public.

Protests are not only continuing on the streets, but there are heated debates exchanged among people on mass and social media. A song has been composed in defense of Farkhonda and the masses announce expansively and powerfully that: “we are all Farkhonda”. People are demanding that this tragedy be investigated, that the accused be punished and also those officials who behind closed doors are the main operators of this crime be dismissed.

Demonstration of thousands of people in Kabul represented the power of a movement in Afghanistan that has grown and expanded, the movement to defend the equality of women and men and the modern and progressive movement against the reign of thieves and terror in that country.

We announce to all the organizations defending the rights of women, all progressive, secular and humanitarian organizations that this is the true picture of Afghan society, not what is depicted in the international media. Afghanistan is dominated by the most reactionary and criminal groups, named Jihadis and Talebis, who are all dependent – with a thousand strings – on the US and the West and have enslaved the masses and particularly women. However, the majority of the people of Afghanistan – like people all over the world – desire equality, prosperity and human rights, and the progressive and humanitarian institutions and personalities fight to stop violence against women.

Now that eyes of the world are on Afghanistan and the campaign of women and the people of Afghanistan have drawn much admiration, we expect that progressive organizations proactively support this campaign and collaborate with it on “justice for Farkhonda”. The voice of women in Islamic countries should be heard by the world and the brave fights of women in these countries should be supported.

Silli Ghaffar

Mina Ahadi

March 30, 2015

Minaahadi26@gmail.com

00491775692413