In an open letter, a group of protesting Afghan women has called on the leaders of Islamic countries to take action against the Taliban's restrictions on women and girls.
They have called for the formation of a committee led by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to oversee the Taliban's policies.
In this open letter, Afghan women protesters have expressed regret over the silence of these countries in the face of the restrictions imposed on women and girls in Afghanistan.
The letter reads, "Your silence as leaders of Islamic countries is very painful. It sends the message that the suffering of Afghan women is not a priority and that our cries for help do not deserve your attention. But this is not the Islam we know."
The letter refers to the deprivation of women and girls from education, work, travel, and other restrictions, and emphasises that these restrictions are imposed by the Taliban under the name of "Islamic Sharia".
"We call on the leaders and members of the Islamic Ummah of the world to stand with us and uphold the principles of justice, fairness and compassion that define our common faith," the letter said.
In the letter, the protesting women stressed that leaders of Islamic countries should use their influence to condemn the Taliban's actions against women and encourage the group to respect the rights of women and girls.
"Strengthen the teachings of Islam, which promote justice, science and the protection of all people, regardless of gender, and provide resources, opportunities and facilities for women and their families seeking safety and justice," the letter said.
Afghan women have also stressed that engagement with the Taliban must be guaranteed to lift restrictions on women and girls and ensure their participation in diplomatic negotiations.
The letter comes as a conference titled "Girls' Education in Muslim Societies" is scheduled to be held in Pakistan on Saturday and Sunday, January 11 and 12, with the participation of more than 40 Islamic countries.
Diplomatic sources, however, told Afghanistan International that the Taliban would not participate in the meeting.
