What’s Next for Democracy and Women’s Rights in Afghanistan?

A Bipartisan Congressional Dialogue with Rep. Susan Davis (D-CA) and Rep. Martha Roby (R-AL)

Following the suspension of U.S.-Taliban talks last month, and with many fearing the U.S. might leave Afghanistan with or without a peace deal, it is more crucial than ever to preserve the significant improvements made since 2001 in Afghan women’s education, advocacy, economic empowerment, and political engagement. The freedoms Afghan women experience today resulted in large part from coalition involvement, and from human capital investment in women and girls. As international forces draw down, a pivotal question will be whether the U.S. remains committed to safeguarding these hard-earned advancements.

Join Rep. Susan Davis and Rep. Martha Roby as they reflect on important progress made by and for Afghan women within the domestic, civic, military, and political spheres, which they have highlighted in annual congressional delegations to Afghanistan over the past 12 years. Afghan women have expressed their sense of empowerment, resilience, and determination as they have gained influence over this period. They have also emphasized the challenges they face in securing their critical role in the future development of their country. Rep. Davis and Rep. Roby, who recently led a bipartisan member delegation to Afghanistan in May 2019, will reflect on the past, present, and future of the country.

Speakers:

Rep. Susan Davis (D-CA)

U.S. Representative from California

@RepSusanDavis

Rep. Martha Roby (R-AL)

U.S. Representative from Alabama

@RepMarthaRoby

Nancy Lindborg, moderator

President and CEO, U.S. Institute of Peace

@NancyLindborg

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The United States Institute of Peace is a national, nonpartisan, independent institute, founded by Congress and dedicated to the proposition that a world without violent conflict is possible, practical, and essential for U.S. and global security. In conflict zones abroad, the Institute works with local partners to prevent, mitigate, and resolve violent conflict. To reduce future crises and the need for costly interventions, USIP works with governments and civil societies to help their countries solve their own problems peacefully. The Institute provides expertise, training, analysis, and support to those who are working to build a more peaceful, inclusive world.