The Afghan Institute for Strategic Studies (AISS) hosted a webinar titled “The Participation of Pashtun Women in the Political Reconstruction of Afghanistan” on September 7, 2024. This event aimed to assess Pashtun women's involvement and engagement in Afghanistan's political reconstruction and explore strategies for developing their roles and participation.

On this webinar, Ms. Wazhma Sayel, a civil activist and researcher; Ms. Sahera Sharif, a former member of the Afghan Parliament’s lower house; Farzana Elham Kochai, a former member of the Afghan Parliament; and Bushra Gohar, a former member of Pakistan’s National Assembly, participated and shared their views regarding the discussion. Moska Sangar Niazai moderated the session.

The webinar opened with each speaker reflecting on their journeys, challenges, and accomplishments regarding political participation. It then continued on various topics, including Pashtun women's political engagement in Afghan politics, the factors contributing to their limited participation while Pashtuns are in power, and their current situation in the political reconstruction of Afghanistan under the Taliban regime.

At the same time, the context of how to increase the meaningful participation of Pashtun women in the political reconstruction of Afghanistan post-August 15, 2021, was another point that speakers shared their views regarding. 

At the end of the event, the speakers highlighted current programs, initiatives, and achievements that promote Pashtun women’s political engagement.