Posted by Tina
President Bush said after 9/11 that the war on terror would be fought in many ways and on many fronts. His strategy included plans that would work in the long term. One of these addressed the plight of women living under oppressive regimes. Of course the work being done in this area was almost completely ignored by the press so few know about the tremendous strides these brave women have made and the big difference their bravery and efforts will have over the course of a few decades. We all know the reasons the press ignored the story when Bush was president. The story does deserve outr continuing interest and support. So here’s an update…the work continues:
Former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush spotlighted the harsh reality as well as the progress and hope for Afghan women and girls in the first public conference Friday of the George W. Bush Institute at Southern Methodist University. ** The conference, held in partnership with the U.S.-Afghan Women’s Council and SMU’s School of Education & Human Development, focused on themes and passions that played out during Bush’s administration. The former first lady took a lead role in pushing for education of Afghan women and girls who were denied basic human rights during the oppressive Taliban regime that governed Afghanistan between 1996 and 2001. ** “The events of Sept. 11 turned a spotlight on the plight of women in Afghanistan and the severe repression which was part of their daily lives,” said Laura Bush. “Afghan women were denied education. And as a teacher and reader myself, I remember my own sadness when I heard that little girls were forbidden from attending school. The stark contrast between their lives and our lives horrified many Americans.”
The Bushes will obviously continue to participate in and support this important work. More information can be found at the sites below:
Highlights from the conference includes video of the various speakers.