On 7 March 2022, Australia hosted a virtual Female Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Afghanistan. Ministers from 17 countries participated in the meeting (Australia, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cote D’Ivoire, Estonia, Germany, Ghana, Iceland, Kosovo, Liechtenstein, Malawi, Mongolia, Namibia, New Zealand, Panama, Sao Tome and Principe, and Tonga). This was the largest meeting of women holding foreign affairs ministerial positions, showing more women are holding this key ministry, and that Ministers are actively working together towards shared goals and outcomes, especially the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
Ministers listened to presentations from three Afghan women about approaches and solutions that can be applied to the humanitarian and security crisis in Afghanistan, especially relating to women and girls.
Ministers expressed deep concern about human rights violations, especially the denial of women and girls from full access and participation in education. With the resumption of the Afghan school year this month, it is essential that the Taliban lifts all barriers and prohibitions against the full participation of women and girls in genuine education and schooling.
Ministers agreed to continue close monitoring of the Taliban’s actions, especially relating to women and girls, and to hold the Taliban accountable for its actions.
Ministers also discussed the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the disproportionate effect of refugee movements falling on women and children, and the measures that need to be co-ordinated.
