Gendered narratives are frequently used politically to shape decisions on war and peace. Such geopolitical narratives both enable the protection of women’s rights and violate them, and have been used specifically as a rhetorical devise to legitimize foreign interventions or withdrawals.
At this event, PRIO Global Fellow Jacqui True will discuss geopolitical narratives of withdrawal and the counter-narrative of women’s rights activism in Afghanistan, focusing on the changing narratives invoking "Afghan women" that influenced US policy on Afghanistan from 2018 to 2021 and consequently Taliban's return. In response to the US withdrawal, a counter-narrative of Afghan women surfaced which emphasizes universal human rights, inclusive peace, and international recognition of the situation of “gender apartheid.” Professor True argues that counter-narratives supported by political strategies can empower marginalized women and legitimize their activism and protest against the continuation of war against women despite the end of military conflict.
Following her introduction, a panel will discuss women’s activism in Afghanistan, and how gendered, geopolitical narratives may shape political realities and foreign policy options.
Speakers
- Jacqui True, Director, ARC Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence against Women (CEVAW) University's Centre for Gender, Peace and Security (Monash GPS)
- Torunn Wimpelmann, Research Director, Chr. Michelsen Institute (CMI)
- Kaja Borchgrevink, Senior Researcher, PRIO
- Hasina Shirzad, Journalist, Human rights activist
The conversation will be moderated by Torunn L. Tryggestad, Director at the PRIO Centre on Gender, Peace and Security.
A light breakfast will be served from 08:30.
