Femina Alliance and Partners Call for the Recognition of Gender Apartheid as a Crime Against Humanity

In a powerful demonstration of unity and commitment, Femina Alliance, in collaboration with the Dashti Foundation, members of the Afghan Women Parliamentarians & Leaders Network (AWPLN), Afghan leadership, and the Canadian Women’s Organization, along with several Afghan women’s rights advocacy groups and Iranian women activists, have presented a groundbreaking petition to the Canadian Parliament. This petition calls for the formal recognition of gender apartheid under the Taliban regime in Afghanistan as a crime against humanity.

During this pivotal session, participants passionately urged the Canadian government to take a leading role in addressing the systemic and brutal discrimination faced by women and girls in Afghanistan. The petition, which has been supported by numerous organizations, including the AWPLN, Canadian Women for Afghan Women, and Women in Islamic Countries, highlights the critical need for Canada to champion this cause on the global stage.

The collective request emphasizes Canada's unique opportunity to raise international awareness and build a coalition of support to end gender apartheid. By advocating for the adoption of a United Nations legislative framework that identifies and addresses gender apartheid, the participants call for a transparent and open approach to combating this grave violation of human rights. Through these efforts, they aim to bring about a future where all women and girls, regardless of their location, can live free from oppression and inequality.