Fawzia Koofi Calls for Global Action on Women’s Rights at Nobel Peace Conference: ‘Woman – Life – Freedom

At the Nobel Peace Conference themed “Woman – Life – Freedom,” Fawzia Koofi, Afghanistan’s first female Deputy Speaker of Parliament and former peace negotiator with the Taliban, spoke passionately about the worsening conditions for Afghan women under Taliban rule. The conference, attended by over 250 guests in person and thousands online, addressed the alarming rollback of women’s rights worldwide and discussed strategies for action.

The event featured speeches from four Nobel Peace Prize laureates, as well as the children of last year’s laureate, Narges Mohammadi, who is currently imprisoned in Iran for her activism on women’s and human rights.

In her address, Koofi highlighted the critical situation in Afghanistan, where 17 million women are barred from public life. She introduced the Afghan slogan “Freedom, Education, Work” alongside the conference’s theme, underscoring the basic rights denied to Afghan women and girls. She shared stories of women facing severe restrictions, calling on the global community to stand in solidarity.

Koofi pointed to the unfulfilled promises made by the Taliban during peace talks, describing the harsh reality of restrictions on education and employment. She urged the international community to reconsider its approach to the Taliban, emphasizing the link between human rights and global security in light of Afghanistan’s economic and humanitarian crises.

The Nobel Peace Conference 2024 was made possible with support from Norsk Hydro, Reitan Retail, Oslo kommune, Bergesenstiftelsen, and UWC Red Cross Nordic. Watch the story here: