A look at the condition of life for Afghan women

Seid Ihsan Al Dine Taheri
For CentralAsiaOnline.com
2009-09-24

Written by our Readers

Constituting half the population, women are still the weakest creatures in regard to gaining their rights. Despite undergoing persistent struggles and dealing with difficulties, they have not yet had prominent achievements in politics and society. Women in this Afghanistan are still deprived of some of their fundamental human rights, and are always vulnerable.

Everyone is aware that Afghan women have displayed outstanding qualities in different aspects of life. In the war against Russian occupation, for example, they fought to the death next to their brothers; but unfortunately historians and authors of this era have chosen to ignore the courageous actions and sacrifices of Afghan women in this realm.

It is sad to say, but throughout our history, political powers and even defenders of women's rights have just ‘caressed’ women on paper or through mass media, and did little more than shed crocodile tears on them. We have not yet seen any practical measures that support their quest for recognition of their rights, which today is not good at all.

Women who live in urban areas are usually from educated families. They can walk freely, gain education and choose their own futures. Unfortunately, women in rural areas often are not permitted to study. They may even not be allowed to go out without the permission of their husbands. Even if a poor pregnant woman falls in a faint, her husband or family may bar her from going to a clinic. Furthermore, in both urban and rural homes, there are some families in which husbands and wives do not eat at the same table, or the husband eats first and his wife afterwards.

It should be noted that neither Islam, nor the noble culture of our country accepts such behaviour. Those who practice it must be informed that their conduct is neither a humane nor an Islamic way of living. What traditions are they following? There are too many prejudices against women in some villages and districts of Afghanistan, such that a girl in this land cannot study, wear suitable clothes or choose her future husband freely and peacefully and according to her own wishes. This situation exists while the constitution upholds equal rights for men and women.

Islam strongly defends the religious rights of men and women. It has completely regulated their rights. In addition, Islam has noted the most important principles in regard to women's freedom in its divine book. In fact there are many quotes by the prophet of Islam, Mohammad, in which we should find our way, according to our interpretations.

Thank God that now the educational grounding for boys and girls is adequate in our beloved country. There have been great endeavours to build schools for girls in the most remote areas that will provide girls the opportunity to serve their country in different arenas through learning, next to boys. May women who wish to continue their education and embark upon practical works in their lives do so. May God grant us all success!

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