Since 1996, the Feminist Majority Foundation has been immersed in a campaign to support Afghan women and girls in their fight against the brutal oppression of the Taliban.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
When the Taliban took over in 1996, the news of their crimes hit the Toronto papers. As a feminist and as an anti-war activist, I heard about what was happening to women, and I wanted to do something to support those folks.
In Afghanistan, we have had a history of very strong women, and we need to reclaim that history and talk about it.
Feminism isn't simply about being a woman in a position of power. It's battling systemic inequities; it's a social justice movement that believes sexism, racism and classism exist and interconnect, and that they should be consistently challenged.
In all the debate about Afghanistan, we don't hear much about our obligation to the wretched lives of Afghan women. They are being treated as collateral damage as the big boys discuss geopolitical goals.
Women need to support women.
Feminism is the best movement that's happened in the 21st century, and it benefits everyone.
I think the emancipation of women in Afghanistan has to come from inside, through Afghans themselves, gradually, over time.
I think a lot of divisions of perspective and experience that happen within feminism are very natural. Any movement that represents the interests of 51 percent of the population is covering such divergent experiences, perspectives, and priorities that, if you're doing it right, people are going to be arguing within it.
Women overwhelmingly support conservative policies.
Feminism is like any female-dominated group - a perpetual catfight.