Traditional Afghan peace could forfeit liberties

As Afghanistan's most powerful men arrive in Kabul for a major conference aimed at starting a peace process with the Taliban, many women are worried the event could lead to a compromise of their hard-won rights.

In an effort to end the nine-year conflict, Afghanistan is holding a peace jirga -- or an assembly -- of powerful leaders, tribal elders and representatives of civil society to consider President Hamid Karzai’s plans to open talks with Taliban. But even the remote possibility of a Taliban return has touched off concern about the fate of women who were banned from schools, the work place and public life during the Taliban rule from 1996 to 2001.

"I'm really tired of this strategy and plans and jargon. I'd like to see activists from all 34 provinces come to Kabul and plan a much deeper understanding of what should be done in the future for women," said Orzala Ashraf Nemat, a leading women's rights activist in Kabul.

Concerned activists also point to the fact that women are not adequately represented at peace jirga, in which they represent a very small number of the 1,400 seats. And although between 30 and 50 women are expected to attend, none is involved in its planning.

Some believe that women were only given a “symbolic” role to lure Taliban to sit at the negotiations table.

"The positions of women in high-ranking roles have been significantly overshadowed ... One could be cynical and say that the reason there are so few women is to encourage the Taliban to come," said Ahmad Fahim Hakim, deputy chair of Afghanistan's Independent Human Rights Commission.

Women queue for voting education in the Afghan presidential election in Kandahar

Orzala Ashraf Nemat

Fear of reversal

Afghan women say their position in society and in politics is still very fragile and the small advances that have been made in recent years can be easily reversed.

Liza Karimi is a 19-year old announcer for Afghanistan's state broadcaster. She spent her childhood living in Moscow and moved back to Afghanistan with her mother four years ago.

"I think that from what I've heard about that regime, we should be worried. We could end up giving-up positions that should belong to women. That shouldn't happen," Liza said.

"Women have to have a real share, not a just a share that is for show," Safian said.

The Taliban, who are waging an insurgency that is at its deadliest in years, have in the past rejected any moves for talks, saying foreign forces must first leave Afghanistan. They continue to advocate a strict interpretation of Islamic law and have stepped up attacks on schools for girls in recent weeks.

The event is largely driven by the Afghan government but has the green light from Washington which is preparing for a gradual withdrawal from Afghanistan starting July 2011.

The Taliban and other key insurgent factions such as Hezb-i-Islami have not been formally invited to the peace jirga but organizers have said any party that wants to be involved will be welcomed and insurgent supporters are expected to attend.

The positions of women in high-ranking roles have been significantly overshadowed ... One could be cynical and say that the reason there are so few women is to encourage the Taliban to come

Ahmad Fahim Hakim