Afghan women urge UN roadmap to ensure inclusive governance

Women’s rights activists are urging the United Nations to ensure its proposed roadmap for Afghanistan leads to an inclusive political structure that incorporates non-Taliban figures, especially women, in leadership roles, Afghan news outlet Amu reported.

The UN’s initiative, part of ongoing consultations in the Doha process, seeks to establish a path for Afghanistan’s reintegration into the international community. Central to this effort is the formation of an inclusive government, along with commitments to human rights and counterterrorism.

Although the Taliban remain resistant to power-sharing, women’s rights defenders insist any future framework must guarantee women’s participation and protections from gender-based violence, including forced and child marriage.

The UN’s “mosaic framework” identifies inclusive governance as one of six key priorities. However, civil society groups remain skeptical, criticizing the lack of transparency and public involvement. The Independent Coalition of Afghan Women’s Protest Movements warned the process risks repeating the shortcomings of the 2020 Doha talks.

Meanwhile, the Taliban have outlined demands, including lifting sanctions, restoring diplomatic ties, and unfreezing assets. With political dissent suppressed and public engagement limited, many remain doubtful that the roadmap will lead to genuine reform.