On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, November 25, in line with the commitment of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) and the Italian diplomatic and consular network against gender-based violence and all forms of discrimination, we opened the exhibition “Faghan. Daughters of Afghanistan,” in collaboration with the NGO NOVE Caring Humans and ZONA.
The project—19 portraits by photographer Simona Ghizzoni and a documentary by director Emanuela Zuccalà—shows the story of the Kabul takeover in 2021, focusing on the personal stories of Afghan girls welcomed in Italy, who chose to be photographed as a statement of freedom and a reaction to violence. The opening was attended by Mahdia Sharifi, an Afghan taekwondo champion, who represents the extraordinary ability of young refugees to start a new life.
The event reaffirmed Italy ongoing commitment to preventing and combating all forms of violence and discrimination against women, also as a priority of its term as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2026-2028. In reading the statement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani, we recalled that violence against women is an unacceptable violation of human rights and an obstacle to the development of our societies. Italy wants to continue to be at the forefront in promoting gender equality, women’s empowerment, and the protection of the most vulnerable individuals. The support to women and girls is a crucial dimension of Italy’s humanitarian interventions in Afghanistan and its diplomatic action in the UN-led Doha Process.
In conjunction with the UN Women campaign “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence,” the exhibition will remain open to public until December 10th, ideally connecting to the celebration of the International Human Rights Day.
