ABSTRACT
This chapter analyzes the implementation of the women, peace and security agenda in Afghanistan, as stipulated by United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 and seven subsequent resolutions. It first traces the confluence of the protection of women’s rights and progress in Afghanistan. This convergence has often reinforced simplistic representations in the West of Afghan women as either passive victims of oppression and violence or active role models or heroes. While the Western women’s rights agenda does not always set the same priorities as those of Afghan women, international support has been far from only symbolic in Afghanistan. Since 2000, the international women, peace and security agenda has had the potential to be a catalyst for further empowering Afghan women. However, its implementation in Afghanistan suffers from structural challenges. This chapter provides insight into the current impasse by addressing two key strategic components of the framework: inclusive security and inclusive peacebuilding. Finally, the chapter offers some recommendations on how more progress could be made. To break the current deadlock, an operational approach to women’s meaningful participation is put forward to complement the traditional women’s empowerment agenda, which is based on equal rights.
