Women’s Rights in Afghanistan

1- For me,the right and the integrity of a woman to be free is from sexual violence, and to be free is to have the right to own property, to have education,and to have control over your body.

2- I was born in an open minded family and raised to be a productive and a free-minded thinker as an individual.Unfortunately after I married,I became a victim of an abusive and controlling relationship that was achieved with criticism, verbal abuse, absolute financial control, and isolation.

3- The main obstacles that Afghan women face are the strict culture,low education of women, male dominance, and the denial of victimizing the women by men and society.

4-  In Afghanistan, women's freedom used to be varied by class and level of education,but in last few decades, men seem to have dominated in many areas. Although in recent years, Afghan women have participated in various types of jobs and sports,but in general women have no public voice or freedom.

5-Conservative religion is not a good thing. Giving respect and obedience to a culture like this,especially in a place like Afghanistan, seems to be both good and bad for women.

In Afghanistan, the role of culture is very significant in their life,and sadly it diminishes women’s ability to do better. And as I experienced, it’s hard for women to be both amenable and stubborn and recalcitrant the same time,and unfortunately, I see the chances of Afghan women getting more liberty,freedom and respect growing slimmer,because Afghan beliefs, traditions, and Cultural values significantly affect their daily life,and it is very hard to break those boundaries without having tremendous courage and knowing your self-worth,. 

6- After the removal of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan,the overall situation of women has improved particularly in some major city, such as Kabul, but in other parts of the country women still face many problems,unfair treatment, and abuse.

7-  In Afghanistan there have always been restrictions concerning women in the country,and Afghanistan has always been a country dominated by men who have complete control over women. Under Taliban rule women were completely stripped of all their rights, work, opportunities for education, freedom of speech, and any rights all humans deserve.

Besides the harsh restrictions placed upon women, there has lately been an increase in violence against women, which is often excused due to domestic violence being justified by conservative religion and uptight culture.

8- I have not witnessed any improvement in regards to women's freedom yet, and to accomplish such goals; women must overcome negative patterns of fear and be ready to sacrifice for a better life.

9-All the years that I have suffered mental and physiological abuse,the desire to be free was laying dormant in my heart. By working on my self -confidence and self-esteem,I gained the courage to fight the unfairness.

10- My desire for freedom has affected me entirely, such as my economic security and well-being.

11- I do not possess a grudge against men. I believe our children need fathers,and men are a key source of happiness in healthy society. We just need to reconstruct the rules of Afghan society and educate people about the importance of women rights and equality in a society.

Shahla Latifi

04-25-2016