José Manuel Albares, the Spanish Foreign Minister, emphasized support for Afghan women during the fifth meeting of ministers on feminist foreign policy in Madrid, stating that their voices will continue to be heard despite efforts within Afghanistan to silence them.
In his opening speech at the meeting, Mr. Albares addressed Afghan women, saying: “This will always be your home. The voices of Afghan women will always be heard from this ministry, even if someone tries to silence them.”
He further highlighted that the Spanish Foreign Ministry hosts an annual meeting titled “Hear Our Voice,” where organizations and institutions of Afghan women in exile come together to advocate for freedom and gender justice.
He added that part of the Spanish Foreign Ministry building has been named the “Afghan Women’s Hall,” and a commemorative plaque has been installed to ensure that the voices of Afghan women are always reflected in this institution.
The two-day Madrid meeting, themed “Building Peace and Democracy,” has seen participation from government officials, representatives of international organizations, civil society institutions, and women’s rights activists from around 60 countries.
Organizers have stated that over 140 civil society organizations and women’s rights advocacy groups are attending this meeting, with the main focus of discussions being the role of feminist foreign policy in advancing gender equality, defending women’s rights, and strengthening peace and democracy.
Afghanistan has been a central topic of this meeting. Participants have expressed concern over the continued deprivation of women and girls from education, work, and participation in public life.
Organizers announced that two special sessions have been dedicated to Afghanistan: one discussing what has been termed “gender apartheid” in the country, and the other focusing on the role of women in peace-building processes and the future of democracy in Afghanistan.
This meeting takes place at a time when Afghanistan remains the only country in the world where girls are deprived of secondary education and higher education.
Participants emphasized that sustainable peace and democracy are not possible without meaningful participation from women, and support for Afghan women and girls must remain a fundamental part of global efforts to defend human rights, gender equality, and peace.
