Gender Apartheid: Afgahanistan & Iran
In a special panel discussion at the 2nd Annual Vital Voices Festival about the severe oppression of women and girls in Afghanistan and Iran, three outstanding advocates in the fight for women’s rights spoke about ending gender apartheid, and specifically about a campaign that has been led by women fighting on the frontlines for change.
Afghan Women’s Rights Activist Metra Mehran and Iranian Actress & Activist Sepideh Moafi spoke with Zainab Salbi, founder of Women for Women International, co-founder of Daughters for Earth, and a Vital Voices board member, about the problems, the solutions and everything that must happen in between to have gender equity in the Middle East.
During the panel, ArtlordsNet, a grassroots movement that was founded in Kabul, Afghanistan, presented a protest mural honoring Afghan and Iranian women. The painting was started and completed on-site during the morning of the 2nd Annual Festival. The piece now sits on display in the Vital Voices’ lobby as a sign of solidarity for all the oppressed women and girls around the globe, especially the women of Afghanistan and Iran.
Watch the replay here:
Panelists included:
- Metra Mehran: Afghan Women’s Rights Advocate & Fellow, New York University
- Sepideh Moafi: Iranian Artist & Activist
- In conversation with Zainab Salbi: Founder, Women for Women & Co-Founder, Daughters for Earth, Vital Voices Board Member
