Dear John,

On Saturday May 8th, yet another girls’ school was attacked in Afghanistan, in the capital city of Kabul. A car bomb, followed by two other bombs, exploded just as the students were leaving the building at the close of the school day. More than 85 students were killed— some 60 of the victims were girls ages 11-17—and some 300 were injured.
  
Send an urgent message to Secretary of State Antony Blinken that we must not forget the Afghan women and girls, and the importance of protecting human rights and democracy in Afghanistan. We must not ignore the ongoing atrocities against Afghan women and girls.

One injured girl speaking to the media shortly after the attack said, “They would rather have a dead girl, than an educated girl.” When asked if she would go back to school again, she immediately said “Yes! I want to be a doctor.” Two days after the attack, the school reopened and the girls were back, determined and committed to their education.
  
Secretary Blinken has said that U.S. foreign policy will reflect “American values, including a commitment to democracy, human rights and the rule of law, and a belief in the dignity of every individual.” Afghanistan is no different and this statement must apply there as well. In the aftermath of the U.S. and NATO troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, it would be a tragedy if Afghan women and girls lost the gains they have made in education, government, and gender equality over the past 20 years. The profound sacrifices of the Afghans and Americans must not be in vain.

This horrific attack happens at a very critical time for Afghans, especially women and girls. The U.S. and NATO armed forces and their contractors are leaving Afghanistan. The U.S. and NATO have pledged to continue their funding of the Afghan security forces as well as humanitarian and development aid, and we must make sure this pledge is upheld.

The Taliban had agreed to reduce the level of violence according to a U.S.-Taliban agreement signed by the Trump administration and the Taliban. Instead, the level of violence has increased and has been used as leverage in the intra-Afghan peace talks. Though the Taliban has denied responsibility for this girls’ school bombing, they have claimed responsibility for many other attacks —including multiple assassinations of women journalists, doctors, judges, students, and other Afghan leaders. 

Random suicide attacks occur throughout Afghanistan, and Afghans are living with fear and uncertainty. The U.S. must demand a permanent ceasefire.

Tell Secretary Blinken that you support keeping the U.S.’s pledge to the Afghan people, especially Afghan women and girls. We must stand with Afghan women and girls in their fight for human rights, education, health care, and economic, social, and political equality.

For equality,

Eleanor Smeal President, Feminist Majority