Having learned more about the powerful storytelling of Afghan women leading the charge for peace and gender equality, especially during a time of political instability, screening The Sharp Edge of Peace to a diplomatic audience in The Hague offers a unique opportunity to engage with a narrative that sheds light on the ongoing struggle for gender equality in Afghanistan and discrimination against Afghan women and girls.
Through hosting the event, the Embassy of Canada to the Netherlands wishes to leverage a broader and up to date conversation with the diplomatic community in The Hague on the current context in Afghanistan, in light of Canada and other countries’ support for Afghanistan accountability initiatives at the international courts in The Hague.
The film provides a crucial lens through which to discuss the intersection of gender, politics, and peace, and has been screened in several locations worldwide, including at UNGA 2024 in New York and to the EU Commission in Brussels.
Following the screening of the film, a panel discussion will be held to provide an updated conversation on the political situation in Afghanistan and how the role of women has shifted since the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021. As the film sheds light on women’s resilience, a panel informed by experts and Afghan representatives provides an opportunity to discuss what resilience means in the current Afghan context.
All champions from the International Gender Champions Network Den Haag (Ambassadors, NGOs, IOs) and representatives from the legal teams of interested embassies are welcome to attend.