Fawzia Koofi, Afghan politician and former Head of the Afghan National Assembly, discusses the role of Afghan women, Afghans’ expectations of the international community, and the impact of international media reporting on the situation on the ground.

In light of the recent military withdrawal of US, Australian and other international forces from Afghanistan, and as the Taleban has gained control of territory and attacked communities across the country, now having taken control of Kabul, the Whitlam Institute seeks to raise awareness - in Australia and beyond - of the situation in Afghanistan today.

Through our policy research on Australia in the World, we produced this podcast with eminent experts, officials and community leaders to ensure their voices are heard here in Australia – these interviews were conducted in the days leading up to the Taleban’s capture of Kabul. We have been able to reach those in Afghanistan and they have asked us to continue to release these perspectives. We are incredibly humbled and grateful that they have shared them.

There is an important conversation to be had about Australia’s moral responsibility to continue to support the Afghan people as they face this terrible new reality. What are Afghans across the country and particularly vulnerable ethnic groups facing today? How are women’s rights being affected? What do Afghans seek from the international community to support them? How can Australia be part of that international effort?