Spring Brings Disappointment for Afghanistan's Women

Since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, they have - among other restrictions for women - restricted girls' possibility to go to school. Photo: Kajsa Waaghals.

Of: Arzo Bahar

Eight months after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, hope is paused as new policies restricting women are confirmed. These include an ongoing ban on secondary school for girls and increasingly stringent male escort requirements. Arzo Bahar, the president of the Female Staff Association of the Swedish Committee for Afghanistan, describes her experience as a working woman and mother, and the fears she has for her daughters.

April 26, 2022, English, Guest chronicle, Guest piece, Magazine

Uncontrolled proliferation of weapons is a threat to women's rights and security

For every woman's safety, rights and well-being, in Sweden and the world, it is important to prevent access to illegal small and light weapons. This is what Karin Olofsson, Secretary General of the Parliamentary Forum for Light Weapons Issues, and Malin Nilsson, Secretary General of the International Women's Union for Peace and Freedom, write in a debate article.

Today, on International Day Against Violence Against Women, we pay attention to the importance of gender equality in achieving lasting peace. Over a billion small and light weapons circulate around the world. The presence of firearms is clearly increasing levels of violence against women - both inside and outside armed conflicts. We demand more measures to prevent the uncontrolled spread of weapons in order to increase women's security and enable women to participate in society. It is written by Malin Nilsson, Secretary General of the International Women's Union for Peace and Freedom, and Karin Olofsson, Secretary General of the Parliamentary Forum for Light Weapons Issues.

November 25, 2021, Debate

Sweden in unique global cooperation for gender equality

Two global forums are taking place this year to promote gender equality. Photo: Montanasuffragettes, Wikimedia Commons

Of: Jennie Aradszky

One year later than planned, the global gathering Generation Equality Forum took place in Mexico City. For three days, representatives from governments, companies and civil society gathered to develop concrete action plans to achieve gender equality, which will have effects within five years. Sweden has played an active role as a leader of a focus group on economic equality within the forum.

April 21, 2021, News

Afghanistan's conflict can only be resolved at the negotiating table

Photo: Canva

Of: Andreas Stefansson

President Joe Biden announced on Wednesday that US troops will leave Afghanistan this fall. This marks the end of the United States' longest war in 20 years. But for Afghanistan, the war, which has already claimed tens of thousands of civilian lives, is not over. Now it is more important than ever that a political solution is reached in the conflict, says Andreas Stefansson, Secretary General of the aid organization Swedish Afghanistan Committee.

April 16, 2021, Debate

The women's rights movement in northern Macedonia is fighting for its rights online and offline

Photo: Canva

Of: Fredrika Gilljam Norberg

In 2020, a secret group chat was revealed in northern Macedonia where thousands of people took part in private material on women and girls without their consent. The women's rights movement in northern Macedonia has since fought for its establishment with the help of several organizations in the country.

April 13, 2021, News

We are not in the same boat - feminist organization during the pandemic

Many IKFF sections have reshuffled their political work during the pandemic to help stop the spread of infection in their countries. IKFF DR Congo has sewn up mouth guards that they hand out.

Of: Tove Ivergård

New year new tag! 2020 was the year that no one had been able to imagine in advance would change as much as we had previously taken for granted; to go to work or school, hang out with friends or hug a grandmother. The year has been interspersed with hope, disappointment and many times even hopelessness. The definition of a pandemic is an epidemic […]

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January 25, 2021, Chronicle

Increased inequality in the world has aroused debate about Sweden's development assistance

inequality

Electrification can be the key to achieving most of the goals in Agenda 2030, according to this week's debaters, when the focus is on inequality in the world.

Of: Amanda Wibne Romild

Last week, the UN Development Program (UNDP) published a report on human development, which begins with “Inequality. Evidence is everywhere ”. This has resulted in this week's debate focusing on the causes of inequalities and demands for change in Swedish development aid policy.

December 17, 2019, Current debate

Women's work on peace issues must be a priority

Of: Mona Monasar and Sana Pirot

The theme of this year's Human Rights Days was the right to a life free from violence. And that was exactly what was discussed at the seminar Agenda 2030 and security for women and children on the run. Women and children on the run are a group that is extremely exposed to both violence and insecurity. But to increase women's influence […]

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December 4, 2018, Chronicle

More countries must follow Tunisia and ban violence against women

Woman with Tunisian flag painted on face.

After much fighting by civil society, violence against women has been banned in Tunisia.

Of: Patricia Grundberg

In Tunisia, almost half of all women are exposed to violence. Until recently, violence was not illegal, but after a fierce struggle, the country has now banned gender-based violence. Tunisia's work to establish national support for the law can stand as an example for other countries, writes Patricia Grundberg at the UN Population Fund UNFPA.

November 27, 2018, Debate