Afghan women’s problems despite recent progress
Despite some progress in the field of rights and status of Afghan women in the last two decades, Afghan women still face many serious problems. These challenges are rooted in cultural, social, political and economic factors and prevent women from achieving full and equal rights. Below are some of these problems:
- Educational restrictions: Although many girls have gained access to schools and universities in recent decades, after recent changes in the Afghan government, more severe restrictions have been imposed on women’s access to education. Many girls are denied access to secondary and higher education, and this issue causes women to lag behind in academic and social progress.
- Restrictions on employment: Afghan women have always faced obstacles in the field of employment, but now more restrictions have been imposed on many jobs. Many women who worked in the public or private sectors have lost their jobs, and women in many areas are unable to work outside the home due to traditional culture and insecurity.
- Violence and gender discrimination: Violence against women, including domestic violence and social abuse, remains one of the main problems in Afghanistan. The lack of legal protection and lack of access to justice for many women has caused these violence to remain unpunished. In addition, gender discrimination still exists at the level of society and social institutions.
- Legal and social restrictions: New laws and religious restrictions have had many negative effects on women, including the requirement to observe specific clothing and restrictions on public activities and being in public places without a man. These restrictions have limited women’s social and individual freedoms and prevented them from actively participating in social life.
- Lack of access to health and health services: Access to health and health services is difficult for women in many parts of Afghanistan, especially for pregnant women or mothers who need special care. Improper health conditions and lack of medical facilities have caused women to be exposed to serious health risks.
- Cultural and traditional obstacles: Many traditional customs and beliefs in Afghanistan still prevent women from participating in various fields. Cultural attitudes in some regions limit women to family roles and weaken their social and economic participation.
- Restrictions on political participation: In recent years, Afghan women’s political participation has decreased and their access to decision-making positions has become more limited. Many women who were active in politics and civil activities have faced new threats and restrictions.
Overall, despite some progress, Afghan women’s problems are still deep and complex, and without structural changes and extensive support, it will be difficult for Afghan women to achieve equal rights and opportunities. Supporting women’s education and employment, combating violence and discrimination, and strengthening their legal and social rights can significantly improve the status of Afghan women.
The dark times of women in Afghanistan
In recent years, especially after the political and social changes in Afghanistan, the situation of Afghan women has worsened and they face more challenges and restrictions than before. The current situation has put Afghan women in a difficult situation, which can be called “dark times”. Some aspects of these conditions are mentioned below:
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Deprivation of education: One of the hardest blows to Afghan women and girls has been the denial of the right to education. Secondary schools and universities for girls have been closed in many areas and access to education has become almost impossible for women. This deprivation not only hinders their individual progress, but also has extensive negative effects on the future of society.
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Severe restrictions on employment: Women are fired from many jobs and can hardly work even in private jobs. Many women who were the breadwinners of the family are now facing serious economic problems. These severe restrictions have led to the economic and social collapse of many families.
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Prevalence of violence and lack of legal protection: Violence against women in Afghanistan has greatly increased and women do not have adequate legal protection to protect themselves against domestic violence, sexual harassment and other cases. The lack of support and legal structures has made women more vulnerable to violence.
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Social and cultural restrictions: Women are forced to follow strict rules in the field of hijab and covering, and are restricted even in public activities. Many women are not allowed to go outside the house without a male companion, which limits them from having a normal life and even the most basic freedoms.
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Health problems and access to health services: Women in many regions of Afghanistan do not have enough access to health services due to the lack of health centers and social restrictions. The lack of proper facilities for women’s health, especially during pregnancy, has created serious risks for their health.
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Restrictions on political and civil participation: Women are almost completely excluded from participation in politics and civil activities. They are prohibited from reaching decision-making positions and even from expressing opinions on social and political issues. This has caused women to lose their role and voice in society.
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Psychological stress and depression: Living in restrictive conditions and social and economic hardships has increased psychological problems such as depression and anxiety among women. Lack of access to psychological and social support has made living conditions unbearable for many women.
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Lack of hope for the future: Many Afghan girls and women do not see a bright and optimistic future for themselves. With the restrictions imposed on them, they have no motivation to improve, learn or try to change the situation, and this sense of hopelessness can have long-term effects on society.
In general, Afghan women live in a situation where their personal, social and economic freedoms are severely restricted and their safety and health are also at risk. Resolving these difficult conditions and improving the situation of Afghan women requires deep changes in the social, political and cultural structures of the country and requires international support and sustained efforts to restore women’s rights in Afghanistan.