We recently had the opportunity to participate as a partner in the event “Betrayed and Sold? – On the Situation of Women in Afghanistan” at the FFT Düsseldorf. For us at the Haus der Kulturen Düsseldorf, it is a priority to support spaces for social dialogue, diversity of perspectives, and political education—which is why we are all the more pleased to have been able to support this event.

The evening was organized by the Düsseldorf Enlightenment Service as part of the “Humanist Salon” event series, in which philosophical, social, and ethical issues are regularly discussed with members of the local community.

The highlight of the evening was a conversation with ethnologist, journalist, and author Shikiba Babori, who has been reporting on Afghanistan for over two decades and focuses particularly on the realities of women’s lives and their rights. Together with journalist Edda Dammmüller, they explored the historical and political context and provided insight into the current situation in the country.

The discussion highlighted just how closely the fate of Afghan women is linked to the country’s political power dynamics and international interests. Since the Taliban took power in 2021, women in Afghanistan have been completely excluded from public life in many areas—a dramatic development that was analyzed from various perspectives during the discussion.

Over the course of the evening, numerous aspects of the situation in Afghanistan were explored: social structures, cultural and religious influences, as well as international interventions and their long-term effects. Particular attention was paid to the realities of life for girls and women, as well as to the question of what concrete ways exist to support them today.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Düsseldorf Education Service and all participating partner organizations for their dedication and the important work they do through events like these. It is a great pleasure for us to serve as a partner in addressing issues of such high social relevance and to work together to create spaces for exchange, education, and dialogue.

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