For me there are two reasons to be an MP. First, I come from a political family: my father was also a member of parliament during what we call the "democracy decade" in the 1970s. Second, I've experienced many different problems and discrimination just for being a woman, especially during the Taliban period, and I want to fight for that to change.

I've been fortunate to meet some very talented photographers and film-makers here in Afghanistan. We're planning an Afghan Film Festival for the United States this fall.

One film director Sahraa Karimi has produced an engaging and illuminating documentary called "Afghan Women Behind the Wheel."

We have long been told that human rights has no place in religion, especially Islam, so it was an incredibly profound experience to listen to imams saying that it is crucial to defend human rights, especially women's rights.

When things are really miserable, what we need most is hope. Sometimes that comes by meeting people who behave in unexpected ways.

Excellencies,

Distinguished Delegates

Ladies and Gentlemen,

First let me express my appreciation to His Excellency Mr. Joseph Deiss, President of the General Assembly, for the invitation to participate in this important discussion.

The linkages between the rule of law and development are multiple and gender-sensitive rule of law reforms are critical building blocks to furthering development.

Women's Rights: On The Frontline

To see multi-media, please click here!

Indonesia is planning a national action plan to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, security and peace. The Jakarta Post's Tifa Asrianti talked to Elizabeth Rehn, former defense minister of Finland, on the importance of gender equality in society. Below are excerpts from the interview.

Question: How do you see the condition of women in Indonesia?

From California to Congo, women and girls face unspeakable violence and abuse. In the chaos on conflict and disaster, women and girls are at even greater risk as their bodies and spirits become the forgotten frontline. Sexual violence is not just a by-product of war; it is a strategy of combat used to terrorize and humiliate.

Annual summit attracts and honors women leaders from all over the world

17th Annual Scheduled for May 2 - 3 in Chicago

Disturbing dispatches out of Yemen yesterday report that thousands of women, chanting “peaceful, peaceful,” as they protested against their country's president were beaten by police wielding sticks and rocks. This came just before news broke that America is (finally) supporting an exit strategy for Yemen's leader Ali Abdullah Saleh.

There is much about the Middle East that needs changing. It was always a matter of time, for example, before the people would rise up and demand freedom. But we have yet to see the leaders of the uprisings make a forceful case to address one of the most serious problems in the region: the routine abuse, harassment and even the brutalization of women.