On International Women’s Day 2025, Afghanistan United Front (AUF) hosted the Women’s Activism & The Future of Afghanistan Conference, calling on Afghan women and men to unite against Taliban oppression and restore their fundamental rights. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to fighting alongside Afghan men in the fight for freedom, emphasizing the urgent need for unity among women’s activists and Afghan men warriors. Together, they called on Afghan men to rise up and fight for their freedom and dignity.
Lt. General Sami Sadat, Chairman of the Afghanistan United Front, responded to the conference’s call in his closing remarks, Stating “We will fight for you. Afghan women’s freedom is the freedom of our nation.” General Sadat reaffirmed AUF’s unwavering commitment to reclaiming Afghanistan’s freedom and ensuring stability in the post-Taliban era, “For the last 15 months, Afghanistan United Front has worked tirelessly to mobilize a capable coalition of Afghan generals, diplomats, governors, women, and emerging leaders. We are ensuring that we have the leadership, the cognitive, physical, and practical capacity to take back our country and prevent chaos after the Taliban’s downfall.”
The gathering brought together international and Afghan leaders, former Afghan ministers, authors, veterans, activists, journalists, and many more talented Afghan women and girls who joined us virtually from inside Afghanistan and around the world. The event reaffirmed their shared vision for a future where Afghan women play a vital role in building a free and prosperous nation.
Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair in a special message to the Afghan women said, “Your courage against oppression inspires the world. Your fight for freedom and dignity is not ignored.” He added, “The struggle for women’s rights is a fight for all of us. For justice, equality, and for the future of Afghanistan itself.” He added, “Those years proved that when given the opportunity, Afghan women thrive, and their participation is essential to success of the country.”
Dr. Salamat Azimi, Former Afghan Minister of Women’s Affairs, highlighted Afghan women’s resilience in the face of suppression, stating, “Afghan women are at the forefront of a resistance that no force can stop.” The conference’s discussions underscored Afghan women’s historical activism and achievements and the need for global solidarity and support. Afghan oral historian and journalist, Dr. Halima Kazem, rejected the notion of Afghan women as passive victims, stating, “Women in Afghanistan have challenged patriarchy. Engaged in political resistance and played a crucial role in governance and reform throughout different periods of history. Afghan women have never been passive observers in history. Rather, they have shaped it.”
Researcher and Analyst, Faheema Ali stressed the importance of international connections stating the future for Afghan women depends on them uniting with women across the world. Munera Yousuf Zada, Former Afghan Deputy Minister of Defense, called for urgent support for former Afghan female military personnel who remain at risk both inside Afghanistan and in neighboring countries.
Dr. David Kilcullen, strategist and counterinsurgency expert, reframed the approach to protecting Afghan women, “We need to focus less on bringing Afghan women to safety and instead we need to focus on bringing safety to Afghan women. The role of the armed groups would be to be a hard shell to protect civil society as we rebuild a safe environment inside Afghanistan for Afghan women and for their children and for the men that love them.”
Afghanistan United Front remains committed to restoring an inclusive Afghan republic, one governed by a constitution agreed upon by its people, upholding equality for all, safeguarding women’s rights, and posing no threat to its neighbors or the wider world.
United For Freedom of Afghanistan
“For the last 15 months, Afghanistan United Front has worked tirelessly to mobilize a capable coalition of Afghan generals, diplomats, governors, women, and emerging leaders. We are ensuring that we have the leadership, the cognitive, physical, and practical capacity to take back our country and prevent chaos after the Taliban’s downfall.” Lt. Gen. Sami Sadat
