A number of artists on Saturday held an exhibition of paintings, theater and music in an effort to raise their voices against continued violence against women and to increase awareness about the problem in the country. 

Organizers of the event said such cultural and art programs can bring the people closer together.  

The artists wrote messages to stop violence against women on their paintings. 

“With painting art we can move Afghanistan to a better future,” said Friba Parnian, one artist.

“Here the girls have put their paintings on show and the main aim of the move is to fight against violence against women,” Ahmad Shekib Qaderi, another artist said. 

Artists also called for an end to the war and put on a performance to this effect.

“We want to tell all that Afghanistan is one of those countries that wants peace and the youths are working towards peace,” Nasrin Rasa, a participant said.

“The women’s role should increase in society. Here also most of the paintings are from women painters,” Sayed Mahmoud Hashimi, another participant said.