Turkey: Women gather outside Afghan consulate to condemn Taliban, call for women's liberation

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Activists from the Women’s Coalition gathered outside the Afghan consulate in Istanbul, on Sunday, laying a wreath promoting secularism, women’s rights and condemning the Taliban.

Women could be seen chanting and holding signs showing their solidarity with Afghan women.

“That’s why today we left a purple wreath in front of the Afghan Consulate. To tell them that they are not alone, we are with them,” said Melek Onder from the Women’s Coalition.

The recent Taliban offensive followed the announcement in April that the US and other NATO states would be withdrawing their forces from the country.

Many have expressed their concerns over the recent change in government fearing the Taliban will impose strict laws prohibiting women from certain aspects of public life such as certain employment and education previously enacted during their rule from 1996-2001.

SOUNDBITES:

SOT, Melek Onder, Member of Women Coalition (Turkish): “We are aware of this: no matter where in the world unless women live free and live equally, there is not complete liberation for any of us. That’s why today we left a purple wreath in front of the Afghan Consulate. To tell them that they are not alone, we are with them. From now on, we will not let this political power bring topics like ‘recognition of the Taliban’ in front of us. Women in Turkey and Afghanistan will also continue to fight for secularism, especially their right to live and their right to education, work. We will continue to give our support to our women, friends and rights of LGBTIQ+ communities in Afghanistan.”

SOT, Fidan Ataselim, Leader of Women Coalition (Turkish): “First of all, we think that mass protests and gatherings are very important for the women who live there. And internationally, we hold joint meetings with women’s organizations from other countries. We will put forward an international action soon. We held these meetings with the call of the Women’s Platform for Equality. We will announce a joint action plan with women not only in these countries but in all countries.”

#WomensRights #Turkey #Afghanistan

Video ID: 20210822-032

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