The dark times of women in Afghanistan

مشکلات زنان افغان - Problems of Afghan women
1

The dark times of women in Afghanistan

After the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021, the situation of women in this country has significantly worsened and it has marked a dark and gloomy time for them. The reasons for this situation are as follows:

  1. Educational restrictions: The Taliban have closed many girls’ schools and banned girls’ education above primary level. This issue has caused millions of Afghan girls to be deprived of the right to education and their educational and professional futures are at risk.

  2. Occupational restrictions: Women in many regions of Afghanistan are prohibited from working in most jobs. The Taliban have banned women from working in government offices, non-governmental organizations, and even private businesses, except in exceptional cases such as the health and primary education sectors.

  3. Restrictions on movement: The Taliban have imposed strict rules on the movement of women. Women are not allowed to leave the house without being accompanied by a male mahram (such as father, brother or husband). These restrictions have limited women’s access to basic services such as health and education.

  4. Legal and social oppression: Afghan women face severe legal and social restrictions. The Taliban enforce strict rules on women’s clothing, and violation of these rules is accompanied by severe punishments. Women are also denied participation in social and political activities.

  5. Violence and Harassment: Several reports of increased violence against women under the Taliban regime have been published. Women face threats, harassment and even physical violence and are often deprived of legal protection
    IMG_3901

Problems of Afghan women

Afghan women face a series of deep and extensive problems and challenges, the most important of which are mentioned below:

  1. Educational restrictions: Girls’ education is restricted or prohibited in many regions of Afghanistan. This issue has caused millions of Afghan girls to be denied access to education and their educational and career futures are in jeopardy.

  2. Occupational restrictions: Many Afghan women are prohibited from working in government offices and private jobs. Even in jobs where women are allowed to work, they face discrimination and many restrictions.

  3. Restrictions on movement: The Taliban’s strict rules regarding the movement of women are such that they are not allowed to leave the house without being accompanied by a male mahram (such as father, brother or husband). These restrictions have made it difficult for women to access basic services such as health, education and shopping.

  4. Violation of social and civil rights: Afghan women are deprived of many of their social and civil rights. They cannot participate in family and social decisions and are excluded from political and social activities.

  5. Violence and Harassment: There have been numerous reports of increased domestic violence, sexual harassment and street harassment against women under the Taliban regime. Many women refuse to report these cases for fear of revenge or stigma, and there are not enough legal and social protections for them.

  6. Health and hygiene: Restrictions and insecurities have reduced women’s access to health services. Many pregnant women and nursing mothers cannot access health centers and receive the necessary services, which has led to an increase in maternal and infant mortality rates.

  7. Destruction of past achievements: Afghan women have achieved significant achievements in educational, occupational and social fields during the past two decades. But with the domination of the Taliban, many of these achievements have been lost and women have returned to their previous status.

  8. Poverty and unemployment: Employment and economic restrictions have increased poverty and unemployment among women. Many women, who were the sole breadwinners of the family, are now unable to provide for the basic needs of themselves and their families.

  9. Culture and Society: Culture and traditional beliefs have also added to women’s problems. Many families refuse women’s education and employment due to social and cultural pressures.

These problems indicate the critical and worrying situation of women in Afghanistan. Immediate and extensive actions by the international community and human rights organizations are necessary to protect the rights of Afghan women and improve their situation.

Restrictions on women during the Taliban regime

Under the Taliban regime, women face extensive and severe restrictions that have profound effects on their daily lives and fundamental rights. Below are some of the most important of these limitations:

  1. Educational restrictions: The Taliban have closed many girls’ schools and banned girls’ education above primary level. This has deprived millions of girls from pursuing higher education.

  2. Occupational restrictions: Women are prohibited from working in many jobs, especially in government offices and private businesses. Even in jobs where they are allowed to work, they face a lot of discrimination and restrictions.

  3. Restrictions on movement: The Taliban have imposed strict rules on the movement of women. Women are not allowed to leave the house without being accompanied by a male mahram (such as father, brother, husband or son). These restrictions have made it difficult for them to access basic services such as health, education and shopping.

  4. Mandatory veiling: The Taliban have forced women to observe full hijab including burqa or chador. Women are required to be fully covered in all public places, and failure to comply with these rules may result in severe penalties.

  5. Prohibition of political and social participation: Women are prohibited from participating in political and social activities. They cannot participate in elections, participate in social activities or participate in public decision-making.

  6. Lack of access to proper health services: Travel restrictions and lack of female health personnel have severely limited women’s access to health services, especially in rural and remote areas. This has led to an increase in health problems and deaths of mothers and babies.

  7. Violence and Harassment: Afghan women face an increase in domestic violence, sexual harassment and street harassment. Many of these cases go unreported and women do not have adequate legal protections.

  8. Cultural and social restrictions: The traditional culture and strict laws of the Taliban put a lot of pressure on women. Families prevent girls and women from education and employment due to fear of the Taliban and social pressures.

  9. Limited opportunities for advancement: Due to educational and occupational limitations, opportunities for advancement and professional advancement for women are very limited. This issue has caused the disappointment and depression of many women and girls.

These restrictions indicate the widespread violation of women’s rights in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime and have many negative effects on the life, freedom and future of Afghan women. International and domestic efforts are necessary to protect the rights of Afghan women and improve their situation.