Since their takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban have introduced new policies and regulations based on their own interpretation of Islam and Sharia — many of which have placed restrictions on women’s rights. On March 28, USIP hosted a conversation examining the differences between Taliban views and practices and those of other Muslim-majority nations.

Kathleen Kuehnast, welcoming remarks
Director, Gender Policy and Strategy, U.S. Institute of Peace

Sheikh Ahmed al Tayeb
Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Sheikh Al Azhar

Rina Amiri
U.S. Special Envoy for Afghan Women, Girls and Human Rights

Her Excellency, Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani
Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations

Fatima Gailani
Afghan Political Leader and Islamic Scholar 

Retno Marsudi
Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Republic of Indonesia

Ambassador Deborah Lyons
U.N. Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Head of UNAMA

Palwasha Kakar, moderator
Acting Director, Religion and Inclusive Societies, U.S. Institute of Peace

For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/islam-peace-and-womens-rights-afghanistan