The Truth About Women’s Rights in Afghanistan | How Do We Manage?

Women belong at the peace table, yet they’re still being sidelined. In this episode, Afghan politician, writer and activist Fawzia Koofi sits down with Stephanie to unpack what “peace” actually means when women’s rights, safety, and voices are treated as bargaining chips. Drawing on her firsthand experience, from surviving multiple assassination attempts to becoming Afghanistan’s first female Deputy Speaker of Parliament, drafting the Elimination of Violence Against Women law, and joining the 2020 peace talks with the Taliban, Fawzia explains why women’s inclusion can’t be tokenistic, and why peace processes fail when the victims of war aren’t in the room. We also explore what daily life looks like for women under conflict and oppression, what the world often misunderstands about Afghanistan’s culture and history (including how fragile rights can be), and why global institutions and accountability mechanisms still matter. Fawzia shares how she thinks about quotas and entry points for women in politics, how to keep fighting when the headlines move on, and the small, practical ways any of us can start pushing back against injustice, plus how she sustains resilience in exile through practices like meditation, yoga, and Pilates. Listen to this new episode of How Do We Manage? with Stephanie von Bismarck to find out. Resources & Links Host: Stephanie von Bismarck Guest: Fawzia Koofi Producer: Tory Pope Production Manager: Angela Crago Executive Producer: Ellie Di Martino The series was recorded and edited at Pod Shop studios. Follow @HowDoWeManage