Vienna Conference Highlights Education and Women’s Rights in Afghanistan

A conference titled “Women’s Solidarity for Education and the Right to Self-Determination in Afghanistan” has been held in Vienna to support Afghan women and girls. The event took place on Friday, April 10, marking the 30th anniversary of the AKIS Cultural Association and the 26th anniversary of Bano magazine. It brought together Afghan cultural, social, and political figures from Europe and the United States, along with Austrian officials. Organisers said the gathering aimed to draw attention to the situation of Afghan women and girls following recent political developments, strengthen solidarity among Afghans in exile and European institutions, and create space for dialogue among activists, experts, and policymakers. As part of the programme, two specialised workshops were held, focusing on supporting girls’ education and integrating Afghan women into migrant labour markets. The conference comes as the Taliban have, in recent years, barred girls above the sixth grade from attending school.