China, Iran ask Afghanistan to end curbs on education, work for women

China and Iran have issued a joint statement urging Afghanistan to end curbs on women's work and education. This call came at the end of a visit by Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to Afghanistan. The statement highlights the growing international consensus on the importance of gender equality and women's rights, particularly in the wake of the Taliban's takeover of the country.

The statement from China and Iran calls for women's education and employment to be recognized as fundamental human rights. It stresses that denying women these opportunities violates their dignity and hinders a country's development. This is a critical moment for Afghanistan, and the international community must continue to push for gender equality and women's rights to be respected and upheld.

The Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan has raised concerns about the future of women's rights in the country. Women had made significant gains in education, employment, and political participation in the two decades since the Taliban's ousting in 2001. However, the Taliban's past record on women's rights is well-documented, and many fear a return to restrictive policies that curtail women's freedoms.

China and Iran are calling for concrete action to be taken to address women's rights in Afghanistan. The international community has an important role to play in promoting women's rights in the country, and the pressure and support of other nations can be a powerful tool in this effort. It is also crucial that the Taliban leadership takes concrete steps to address the concerns and needs of women in the country.

The joint statement from China and Iran is an important step in the global effort to promote gender equality and women's rights. It is a reminder that the world is watching Afghanistan and that the international community stands ready to support the country's efforts to promote women's empowerment.