BAHARIN LEHIB

Afghanistan- Former Afghan MP Belqis Roshan is one of the resisting and brave women, who stand with the Afghan people, especially women. Before the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, she was the only voice in the Afghan parliament that exposed the crimes of the ruling government and the U.S. in Afghanistan. NuJINHA spoke to her on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

‘Afghan women are held captive at their homes’

Emphasizing that Afghan women have been deprived of their rights since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, she said, “Afghan women are held captive at their homes due to the policies carried out in the name of religion. Women all around the world hold activities and events to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women while Afghan women are deprived of their rights.”

‘The international community remains silent’

Speaking about the crimes committed against Afghan women, she said, “Today, Afghan women are subjected to violence and crimes against humanity; however, the international community remains silent because of the competitions of powerful countries such as China, Russians, America, and NATO. Our people, especially women, are the main victims of these competitions.”

Belqis Roshan believes that Afghan women should learn that, “Rights are not given but taken. Self sacrifice, persistent and serious struggle are needed to take women’s rights back. Unfortunately, women face different forms of violence and oppression in all countries, even in European countries and America. However, in fundamentalist countries such as Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Libya, Palestine, Iraq, Pakistan and others, fundamentalism has become the very devil for women.”

‘The resistance of women in Iran is a role model for us’

Belqis Roshan also commented on the resistance of the women in Iran. “The regime of the mullahs, which sacrifices hundreds of thousands of men and especially women in Iran today, was brought to power by the USA. The USA did the same thing in Afghanistan.”

‘Women are the first victims of wars and conflicts’

Speaking about the Russian-Ukraine war and Israel's attacks on Gaza, she said, “Women are the first victims of wars and conflicts. The US and NATO occupied Afghanistan claiming that they would liberate Afghan women; however, they killed women the most. After the Taliban took over Afghanistan, they first targeted women.”