Fawzia Koofi Reflects on Afghan Women’s Struggles and Geopolitical Challenges in Oxford Interview

At Christ Church College, University of Oxford, OPR held an in-depth fireside chat with Fawzia Koofi, former Afghan MP and renowned women’s rights activist. In this conversation, Koofi discussed her perspective on the Taliban’s takeover, the deteriorating state of women’s rights in Afghanistan, and Afghanistan’s position within global geopolitics.

With over 20 years of advocacy experience, Koofi has been a prominent voice for women’s rights, serving as Vice President of Afghanistan’s National Assembly and participating in peace negotiations with the Taliban in Qatar before being forced to leave Afghanistan after the regime change in 2021. Known for surviving multiple assassination attempts, she has tirelessly advocated for preventing sexual violence and advancing women’s education and living conditions in Afghanistan.

During the interview, Koofi reflected on:

• Her Activism: She shared her motivations since beginning her advocacy in 2001 and described the Taliban’s severe restrictions on women since their return to power in 2021.
• Global Response: She highlighted the impact of the U.S. withdrawal and the collapse of Afghan forces, critiquing the lack of robust international support for Afghan women.
• Taliban’s Narrative: Koofi discussed the Taliban’s claims of having changed and their promise to fight extremism, contrasting it with the realities of repression and ineffective governance in Afghanistan.
• Negotiation Dynamics: She critiqued the Taliban’s reliance on outdated knowledge and the misuse of religion in governance, as well as differences in negotiation approaches.
• U.S. Foreign Policy Issues: Koofi analyzed U.S. policy missteps, including the exclusion of Afghan government representatives from negotiations and the repercussions of the Doha agreement.

Koofi’s insights offer a sobering look at the challenges facing Afghan women and the global responsibility to address them. Watch the story here: