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August 5, 2009

Afghan Women Rally Ahead of Elections
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In Afghanistan, Taliban fighters launched rockets at the capital of
Kabul Tuesday in the biggest attack of its kind in recent years. Some of
the reported nine rockets landed near Western embassies. Meanwhile,
hundreds of Afghan women held a rally for women’s rights ahead of
national elections later this month. Afghan activist Asila Jamal called
for the repeal of several laws that undermine women’s rights.

Asila Jamal: “On behalf of five million women voters, we call on the
presidential candidates to recognize the rights of women, politically
and socially, in the society, and also to give the opportunity for women
to enjoy the implementation of justice and to reform some harmful laws,
special family laws that are continuously harming the lives of women.”