Perth Amnesty Group organised a celebration for local Afghan women to mark International Women’s Day in collaboration with the Scottish Refugee Council. The event took place on Saturday March 4^th from 10-11.30am at the AK Bell Library, Perth.

Afghan women living locally and in other parts of Scotland shared their stories and informed those present, including representatives from women’s organisations in Perth, about the impact of the Taliban regime on the lives of women and girls. As one participant said,” Watching the news is not the same as hearing a personal account”.

Amnesty International have been campaigning since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021 for the rights of women and girls, which have been severely restricted, to be restored.  Educational opportunities beyond primary school are now denied and access to travel, work, healthcare and involvement in public life is almost non-existent.  AI is asking the international community to advocate for the rights of all Afghans, including women and girls, for fundamental rights including the right to life, freedom of expression, freedom of association, access to education, employment, political participation and freedom of movement.

One of the Afghan women said she was so pleased that the event had happened so            women in Afghanistan will not be forgotten.

Amanda Brown, Chair of Perth Amnesty Group said, 'While supporting the Afghan women who have settled in Perth and hearing their stories we also want to draw attention to the many women living in Afghanistan who are facing discrimination, exclusion, poverty and threats of violence on a daily basis.’