Challenges of Afghan Reintegration and Reconciliation

Recent initiatives toward reintegration and reconciliation in Afghanistan may further the prospects for peace, but many Afghan women fear the consequences of negotiations with the Taliban or other insurgent groups that have promoted repressive and violent policies toward women. A peace settlement that ignores or downplays women’s rights abuses will create a culture of impunity, and a settlement that excludes women from the negotiating table will hinder women’s participation in decision-making institutions.   This panel discussion addressed the challenges posed by Afghan reintegration and reconciliation, particularly for Afghan women.  The panel also discussed how women may contribute to the reintegration and reconciliation process.

Speakers

• Palwasha Hassan
  Founding Member, Afghan Women’s Network
  Former Jennings Randolph Afghanistan Fellow
  U.S. Institute of Peace
• Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
  Fellow and Deputy Director of the Women and Foreign Policy Program
  Council on Foreign Relations
• Mirsad "Miki" Jacevic
  Deputy Director for Training and Consultations
  The Institute for Inclusive Security
• Chantal De Jonge Oudraat, Moderator
  Associate Vice President, Jennings Randolph Fellowship Program
  U.S. Institute of Peace