Giving a voice to the women of Afghanistan

Two weeks ago, a large explosion tore through a school in Kabul, injuring more than 50 children, but the tragedy has attracted remarkably little attention.

A heavy silence hung over the court’s packed meeting hall. In the middle, a petite woman in her early 20s knelt on the floor in front of the judges. Her hands were tied and she was trembling.

Hannah Neumann is a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for Germany’s Green Party who focuses on foreign policy and human rights and has used her position to advocate strongly for Afghan women and girls since the Taliban’s return to power.

When Marhaba went to court to seek a divorce she was hoping for a quick end to years of abuse from her violent husband; instead the judge sent her to prison.

Somaiya, 26, wasn’t surprised when her Instagram posts – photos and videos of her daily life and promotions for local businesses –- attracted the attention of local authorities.

Last month, mother-of-two Shakila set off from her village in central Afghanistan for the 30 minute trip to the local courthouse to collect the ruling in her divorce case.