In a video message released ahead of the International Women’s Day, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has described the violence against women by the rulers in Afghanistan and Iran as “unforgivable”, adding that his country was on the side of those who stood up for human rights and women’s rights.
In both countries, “women who stand up for their rights are fought hard. All those who stand up for freedom and justice even risk their lives,” Scholz was quoted as saying in the video message by the German DPA news agency.
“This is unforgivable,” the German Chancellor stated regarding the violence against women being imposed by the Taliban in Afghanistan and by the Islamic Republic of Iran against women-led protests across the country.
This comes after his centre-left government on Wednesday announced new feminist guidelines to shape its diplomacy and work, including creation of a new role “ambassador for feminist foreign policy”.
On Saturday, German foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock, presented her feminist foreign policy guidelines to the German government. “Given recent events, prioritizing women’s rights in Afghanistan is more important than ever,” the German embassy for Afghanistan said in a tweet.
In the meantime, the Taliban has so far effectively banned education and work for women across Afghanistan and restricted them from traveling without mahram – a male guardian – and going to amusement parks.
