Islam, Peace and Women’s Rights in Afghanistan

A Conversation with U.S. Special Envoy Rina Amiri and Prominent Islamic Scholars and Leaders

Since their takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban have introduced new policies and regulations based on their own interpretation of Islam and Sharia — many of which have placed restrictions on women’s rights. In response, several groups of Afghan women activists have launched protests and demonstrations in Kabul despite violent repression, assault and, in some cases, unjust detention by the Taliban. And numerous Islamic scholars have noted that women in many Muslim-majority countries are active participants in political, economic and social spaces, raising questions about the long-term impact that the Taliban’s treatment of women will have on Afghanistan and on the reputation of Islam worldwide.

Join USIP for a conversation examining the differences between Taliban views and practices and those of other Muslim-majority nations. The Institute will host U.S. Special Envoy for Afghan Women, Girls and Human Rights Rina Amiri, Grand Sheikh of the Al Azhar University Sheikh Ahmad Muhammad al Tayeb and Afghan Islamic scholar Fatima Gailani — as well as other prominent, high level Muslim leaders from around the world — to discuss the situation facing Afghan women and girls and the protection of their rights from an Islamic perspective.

For more information about this event, and to RSVP, please visit

Speakers:

Lise Grande, welcoming remarks

President and CEO, U.S. Institute of Peace

Rina Amiri

U.S. Special Envoy for Afghan Women, Girls and Human Rights

Fatima Gailani

Afghan Political Leader and Islamic Scholar

Palwasha Kakar, moderator

Acting Director, Religion and Inclusive Societies, U.S. Institute of Peace

Pre-Taped Remarks:

Sheikh Ahmad Muhammad al Tayeb

Grand Sheikh of the Al Azhar University, Grand Imam of the Al Azhar Mosque

Retno Marsudi

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia

Mariam Al-Misnad

Minister of Social Development and Family in Qatar

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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 build local capacities to manage conflict peacefully. The Institute pursues its mission by linking research, policy, training, analysis and direct action to support those who are working to build a more peaceful, inclusive world. Learn more about USIP