Dear Prime Minister,

I am writing on behalf of British Federation of Women Graduates, an organisation which promotes women’s opportunities in education and public life,  and works with Graduate Women International to improve the lives of women and girls worldwide. We watch with increasing concern Afghan women and girls fearing for their lives and for their human rights including access to quality education in school and higher education institutions. We hear of the extreme anxiety of working women, particularly those working in the professions and Academia.

Over the past 17 years Afghan media have flourished. Around 2000 media outlets have been functioning with an estimated 12,000 working journalists of whom 2000 are women. The freedom to work in the creative industries in now likely to be under threat for Afghan women. This means that the voices of Afghan women are less likely to be heard around the world.

Members of British Federation of Women Graduates are increasingly concerned at what is happening in Afghanistan and horrified at the potential treatment of women and girls there. We are asking the government to use their power and all practical means to prevent these human rights violations. Women and girls need help now. We urge you to act in all ways possible and to do so swiftly.

Most respectfully,

Jasmit Phull JP
President