Description
The Women and Public Policy Journal (WPPJ), published by the Organization for Policy Research and Development Studies (DROPS), is launching Volume 9 (2023–2024), titled “Countering the Taliban’s Gender Apartheid Regime: Legal and Policy Pathways.” DROPS and SOAS University of London are co-hosted the online launch event on Thursday, 25 June 2026, at 9:00 AM EST / 2:00 PM GMT. The event took place online through SOAS University of London.
The Volume 9 Launch
The event presented the new volume, which examined legal and policy responses to the Taliban’s systematic restrictions on women and girls. Mariam Safi, Executive Director of DROPS, introduced the event and chair the discussion.
Featured Speakers
- Mariam Safi, Executive Director, DROPS (introduction and chair)
- Naheed Ahmadi Farid, former Member of Parliament and the youngest elected lawmaker in Afghanistan’s history
- Oma Seddiq, journalist and news reporter, with a B.A. in Journalism from Northwestern University
- Madina Qati Musadiq, Afghan social researcher and women’s rights advocate focused on girls’ education and gender equality
- Marwa Raufi, medical student in psychology and researcher across medicine, literature and technology
Why It Matters
- Legal and policy focus: The volume’s theme centers on practical pathways for countering gender apartheid in Afghanistan.
- Afghan voices: The speaker lineup brings together policymakers, researchers, journalists and advocates with direct experience of the issues.
- Open access to the discussion: The event is online and free to join through registration, so participants worldwide can take part.
