Saturday, April 14, 2012

Afghan Women Protest Against Violence

TOLONEWS.COM

A young women's movement marched through Kabul's streets on Saturday

to protest violence against women.

About 30 women represented the fledgling organisation, Young Women for Change, with carrying banners saying "Where is Justice?"

The group read a statement in front of Parliament at the end of the march which began with a list of this year's brutal acts of violence carried out against women, and the lack of justice in following up the perpetrators.

"Since Nawroz, New Year, at least five women have been killed in Afghanistan. Three women were killed in Herat, one of whom was beheaded by her husband. Another woman was killed by her husband in Khost and another was hanged after the unjust decision of the tribal court in Paktya," the statement began.

"Halima, 17, was nearly beaten to death by her husband."

The group called on men to take a stand against the violence.

"Injustice to one woman is injustice to all women, including your female family members. Raise your voices!" it said.

The statement called on the country's lawmakers to ensure that justice was brought to bear on the crimes, including the release of all women were in jail despite being victims of rape.

The peaceful march stretched from the Dehmazang area of Kabul city and ended in front of the Parliament building near Darulaman.

Afghan police secured the areas through which the march passed.

One of the protestors told TOLOnews: "The government should take necessary actions against the violators. These women should not be forgotten."

Another protestor said: "There was violence against women during the Taliban time, and it exists even now. Despite democracy, nothing has been done to prevent violence against women."

The women warned that if the government remained silent on violence against women, they would start protesting in front of the Presidential Palace.

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