VIENNA CALLING

In this episode of Vienna Calling, Nagis Mohmand Hassanzai, a former professor from Kabul Education University and winner of the Sweden World Peace Award in 2023, discusses the dire situation of women and girls in Afghanistan since the Taliban's resurgence. Currently living near Düsseldorf, Germany, she is a prominent advocate for women's rights and the founder of the Fakunda Foundation. Nagis outlines how the landscape of life for women in Afghanistan has drastically regressed, equating their current existence to that of prisoners. With little to no rights—ranging from education to employment and public life—women are now banned from schools, universities, and most professions, primarily but not exclusively, in government sectors. The few exceptions for women in education exist in areas like healthcare, but these too are extremely limited and often inaccessible. Nagis passionately emphasizes that the situation feels akin to a time warp back to 1919, with systemic violence against women increasing as they are entirely excluded from political discourse and cannot engage in public life without a male guardian. Despite the bleak reality, the discussion shifts to the issue of hope. Nagis candidly states that under the Taliban regime, the prospects for change are minimal. She reflects on the profound hopelessness that afflicts millions of Afghan women and girls, who recognize that the conditions under the Taliban mirror past experiences from decades earlier when the group was in power. The conversation progresses to her ongoing efforts with the Fakunda Foundation, where she strives to educate women and girls through innovative means despite the Taliban-imposed barriers. Her organization has transitioned to online classes, allowing Afghan women to access education discreetly without drawing the attention of the authorities. Given the technical challenges—like limited internet access and electricity outages—Nagis highlights several hurdles, as many students engage in classes from their homes in secret. This situation underscores the precarious environment under which women's education initiatives operate. European support emerges as a crucial theme, as Nagis outlines several ways that nations can assist Afghan women. She advocates for scholarship programs aimed at higher education and emphasizes the importance of humanitarian assistance that directly reaches those in need, steering clear of corrupt practices that could siphon resources to the Taliban. She urges for heightened media awareness and public discourse surrounding Afghan women's issues to reinvigorate global attention towards their plight. Regarding asylum, Nagis references a recent ruling from the European Court of Justice that could allow Afghan women to receive humanitarian protection due to widespread gender discrimination in Afghanistan. While she expresses hope that this decision may facilitate pathways for women seeking refuge, she notes the broader challenge of maintaining Afghanistan's visibility in international discussions. The dialogue concludes with a heartfelt reminder from Nagis not to forget the plight of Afghan women, reinforcing the need for sustained advocacy and action aimed at improving their circumstances. Her call to action serves as a poignant reminder to keep Afghanistan's issues at the forefront of political agendas in Europe and beyond.