As the US-Taliban talks point towards a concrete deal on the cards, an intra-Afghan dialogue too becomes crucial. The recent Moscow meeting was one such instance where old rivals talked and prayed together. But, the dialogue should go beyond male politicians and needs to include women, who constitute the other half of the Afghan population. 

A dialogue with the Taliban's female members constituting their family members or sympathizers would be instrumental in defining a pathway for women's role in the Afghan polity and their over representation. These dialogues will ensure that women from the both sides understand each other. We believe mutual understanding is essential for long lasting peace. Afghan women have suffered human rights abuses during the Taliban regime. Denial of education, work and free movement were the most visible forms of oppressions they faced on a daily basis.  

In order to ensure that such mistakes will not repeat in future, a sincere dialogue between the Taliban women and Afghan women is needed. A suitable venue (anywhere around the world) could be agreed upon. Among others, we request the Former First Lady, Dr. Zeenat Karzai and current First Lady Mrs. Rula Ghani to participate in these dialogues. Later on, a direct dialogue between Afghan women and the Taliban men also needs to follow. 

To join us, please sign this petition or use #WeWantToMeetTalibanWomen