Calling for the Release of Matiullah Wesa

EDN joined civil society leaders in demanding the immediate release of education activist Matiullah Wesa, unlawfully detained by the Taliban. The letter called on international leaders to prioritize the protection of human rights defenders advocating for education and gender equality in Afghanistan.

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Special Event for International Women’s Day 2025

Date: Saturday, March 8, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM EST

Location: Virtual (Free & Open to All)
Education is one of the most powerful tools for breaking barriers and driving systemic change. This International Women’s Day, join Education Defenders Network (EDN) for a compelling discussion on how learning, advocacy, and policy reform can drive gender equity and justice worldwide.

Demanding UN Accountability for Afghan Women’s Rights

In a strongly worded letter, EDN and its partners criticized the UN’s normalization of the Taliban’s education ban and called for a robust UN presence in Afghanistan. The letter urged the UN to advocate for formal education for girls and reject madrassas as a substitute, reinforcing the need for genuine human rights-focused leadership in UN missions.