Shrinking public space for Afghan women

Human Rights Tribune

December 3, 2009

"The space for women in public life is shrinking," warned Norah Niland, head of UNAMAís human rights unit and a representative of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Under the Taliban, women had few rights, and though efforts have been made since then to boost them, progress has been inhibited by armed conflict, weak political commitment, corruption, and strong patriarchal traditions.