An art exhibition, Parwaz Art Festival, was held on Monday by the United Nations to highlight women’s hopes and dreams and to showcase their talent. 

On Monday, 50 paintings by 50 artists, including men and women from across the country went on display in Kabul. 

The event was held to mark International Women’s Day.

Three artists were also awarded prizes.

Toby Lanzer, UN Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan said securing peace in Afghanistan is tied with the equality between men and women in the country. 

“We asked them to eliminate barriers and pave the way for women's full participation in the life of Afghanistan. And through that painting, to call for urgent action, to achieve a change, a change where by men and women are more equal in Afghanistan. In the United Nations we believe that equality is a human right ,” said Lanzer. 

Ali Reza Rahimi, Mina Nayeb and Mahdi Zahak were selected as the top three artists.  

“This festival was held under the name of Parwaz. 50 young men and women (artists) on the 8th of March had painted the dreams, wishes and status of women. This is the biggest approach for changing the perceptions about women,” said the president’s advisor on United Nations affairs Fakhunda Zahra Naderi.

“Killing of women and prohibiting women and girls from going to school and universities in fact is prohibiting them of gaining knowledge. Unfortunately, the war has worsened the situation,” said Kabul University Chancellor, Hamidullah Farooqi.