Contrary to many messages from media and the Bush administration, Afghanistan is not at peace and Afghan women were not
"liberated" by the US intervention. While Afghans are glad the Taliban are no longer in power, they continue to
face severe problems ranging from factional violence, political repression and human rights abuses to scarcities of food,
healthcare, and basic personal safety. However, also contrary to many common images, Afghan women are not passive victims.
During the past 30 years of upheaval, they have resisted oppression from many fronts, preserved Afghan culture and community,
and been active agents in efforts to rebuild. This talk will bring attendees up to date on the current situation in Afghanistan,
especially for women, and will discuss the work of the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan as a vibrant
example of women's resistance and organizing.
Alicia Lucksted is a community activist and one of the founders of the U.S. RAWA Supporters Network. She has been an
active international supporter of RAWA for almost 5 years. She is also a clinical community psychologist and works at the
University of Maryland Center for Mental Heatlh Services Research.
For more information visit:
www.rawa.org
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