On Friday, the Countess of Wessex joined the 65th Commission on the Status of Women event put on by the Afghanistan Mission, the Permanent Mission of Afghanistan to the United Nations in New York.
The Countess talked with other foreign leaders on how international support can be provided for Afghan Women’s Rights. One main focus of the conversation was on expanding peace effort collaboration moving forward while also condemning targeted killings towards Afghan women.
“We need to ask, why are men so afraid of having women in the room?” said the Countess of Wessex.
“Women are the people who are going to enact the peace. Afghan women have shown that they are so effective in acting for peace.
“The example of Afghan women has shown us that women enact the peace.”
During the virtual event, the Countess encouraged other countries to join the UK in pledging to protect women. By pledging, people are committing to building and strengthening a legal and political safety net. They are also committing to providing security arrangements for women peacebuilders, establishing mechanisms to prevent threats against women, and facilitating emergency assistance and relocation for women peacebuilders in the case of threats.
“We have to ensure the protection of women peacebuilders who put themselves on the frontlines,” said the Countess of Wessex.
The CSW65 is considered a critical moment for the peace process in Afghanistan. The UN Member States and Afghan civil society leaders shared ideas on how women can have their voices heard and how formal bridges can be formed during peace efforts.
