Dear everyone,

A warm welcome to all of you, and thank you very much for being here today.

Today we honor women around the world, especially the brave women of Afghanistan.

Women who continue to struggle and sacrifice so much for freedom, justice, and equal rights, even in the most difficult times.

Your presence here today shows solidarity and support for women who are still fighting for their fundamental rights.

International Women’s Day reminds us not only of the strength of women, but also of the long struggle for equality and human rights.

At the same time, we must speak about a serious reality.

Today, women in Afghanistan are living under gender apartheid. They are systematically denied their fundamental rights and excluded from education, employment, and public life.

Yet their voices still exist, even when some try to silence them.

While the world often closes its eyes to our situation, we continue every day to stand up against this oppression.

We work to remain strong and to be a clear and united voice for the women of our country.

Today we gather here to show solidarity and to say clearly that silence is not an option.

Thank you for standing with us and for being a voice to end gender apartheid in Afghanistan.

Thank you.