Some highlights of the discussion:

• The misinterpretation of Islam
(General Zaki) “The misinterpretation of Islam is a big problem for women and until women are educated they will always be living under pressure and with violence.  Other than the Constitution and international law, there a clear mention in the Holy Quran about the rights of women, so our men should obey what is in Islam and the Holy Quran.”

• The role of educated women in Afghanistan
(Ms Parleka) “Educated and active women have a very important role in developing awareness in other women but not only other women.  They must work hard to make men aware of the rights of women.  There are men who leave freedom at their front door.  They do not allow freedom to enter their house.”  

• Are these the two faces of men?
(Ms Parleka) “There are men who say that they are ‘with’ women and support women but in fact they are destroying them inside the home and even inside their NGOs.  These are the men who are very democratic for international supporters and who talk about freedom for their neighbors but not for their own families.’’

• The differences between men and women
(Ms Hussani) “There are some scholars who are saying that women are only for the house and not for outside the house.  I seriously reject this idea because if women are only for the house why was the wife of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) in business.  Some men say that women do not have the right to be involved in politics.  Again I reject this because the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) always discussed political issues with his wives, especially with Bibi Ayesha.”

• Is the burqa required under Islam?
(General Zaki) “The burqa is forced on our women but not on women in other Islamic countries.  It is a kind of violence against women. We should wear the Islamic hijab but not the burqa.”

• Exchanging women for property
(Ms Hussani) “Women are not ‘things’ that should be sold or exchanged for money or property.  Those people who claim that they are working for women’s rights must defend women from these bad cultural practices.  Every girl has the right to choose her life partner so it is an act of violence to sell women or force them into marriage.”