Washington Pledge
"We Will Not Abandon The Women In Afghanistan"
Reaffirms Secretary of State Clinton
Gender Concerns International welcomes the reassurance issued by US Secretary of State Clinton that gives hope to women in Afghanistan and women's rights activists world wide, that the achievements on Afghan women's rights will not be sacrificed at upcoming reconciliation efforts in Afghanistan.
The above mentioned statement was issued by Gender Concerns International as areaction to the Obama-Karzai Strategic Partnership Talks this week. During these talks in Washington, the commitment of President Obama and Secretary Clinton to contribute to a stable, strong and prosperous Afghanistan was reaffirmed many times. With reference to the reintegration and reconciliation process and the prevailing fear that the women of Afghanistan will be abandoned, Sectary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton pledged to the women of Afghanistan that "we would not abandon Afghanistan in its quest for peace and long-term stability, and we will not."
Hillary Clinton further said that she appreciates "the fact that women in Afghanistan are concerned about what reconciliation and reintegration means for them and that it is essential that women's rights and women's opportunities are not sacrificed or trampled on in the reconciliation process."
Director Sabra Bano congratulated Afghan women for their resolute efforts to convince Washington that Defense cannot be attained if Development is ignored. There is still a long way to go and it is hoped that other international leaders and especially European leadership will come up with commitments to follow the example set by Washington. It is time to say out loud that women's achieved rights can NOT be put on hold or rolled back in order to bring the Taliban to the negotiation table.
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