Ascent of Woman Series-Remembering Afghan Women

The evolving status of women in the world today will be explored at The Commonwealth Club throughout the month of August in the series The Ascent of Woman.

Through speakers, panels, films and art, we will examine this transformational period in women's history, this dramatic shift from the expectation of our mothers' choices, to how we work and live today in ways that reach out through our families and communities to reverberate throughout the nation.

The Ascent of Woman series will illuminate women's lives today, where women are redefining what a 'woman's place' will be.

Remembering Afghan Women

Katherine Brown, Truman National Security Project Fellow; Former Communications and Public Events Advisor, U.S. Embassy Kabul; NGO Worker; Former White House Staffer

Olga Oliker, Senior International Policy Analyst, RAND Corporation

Following the overthrow of the misogynistic Taliban regime in Afghanistan, the situation for women seemed to enter a promising era. A Ministry of Women was established, and a new constitution guaranteed women 25 percent representation in the legislature. But progress has been stymied in Afghanistan. More than 80 percent of Afghan women are illiterate and many remain victims of violence. Brown and Oliker will address the key challenges that hamper progress in Afghanistan and discuss how women are working to create possible solutions

This program was recorded in front of a live audience at The Commonwealth Club in San Francisco on August 23, 2010