Demands of the “50% Campaign” to the International Afghanistan Conference in London, 16 January 2010

During the second Presidential Election in Afghanistan, we in the “Afghanistan Women’s 50% Campaign” clearly informed the country and the presidential candidates of our demands. We now declare to the delegates of the Afghanistan government and the international community at the London Conference, who are seeking solutions that we expect them to stand by their obligations before the women of this country and to display their determination to deal with these demands.

The 50% Campaign was established in 2009 by 70 social and civil activists in Afghanistan and has won the support of more than 10,000 determined and informed men and women in different parts of the country. Their demands to the government include:

We women shall not support any non-transparent talks with the armed opponents of the government that ignores our human rights, for which we have fought for many years in the face of great dangers.

Women’s political participation in decision making positions at the local, national, regional and international levels, must take place not symbolically but in the full sense of the word.

Illiteracy is one of the greatest obstacles blocking progress and fruition of activities geared to lasting development and social and economic improvement. We call on the government to give top priority to public mobilisation against illiteracy in the next five years.

The government must provide national and economic security in the society and eliminate violence against women.

The government’s economic and social plans must give top priority to efforts directed at creating jobs and self-employment opportunities for female heads of families, invalids and the disabled.

Special measures should be taken to improve access of mothers to health and sanitary facilities.

Their message to the international community and participants at the London Conference includes:

The international community must recommit to the full implementation of the Action Plan for Justice, Reconciliation and Peace, including concerted action towards making the Advisory Panel meaningful and productive.

Support fundamental improvements in women’s life through establishment of the ground for their employment, autarky and economic independence.

We call on the international community to give full support to women’s rights in all areas.

The complete message can be found at: www.fidh.org/Demands-of-the-Afghanistan-Women-s-50-Campaign