Afghan parliament must protect women’s rights

Afghanistan’s parliament is grappling with a very divisive women’s rights law. That Afghan members of parliament have failed to pass the law, which at its core bans violence against women and serves as a reminder of the progress made in women’s rights since the Taliban was toppled twelve years ago, is most unfortunate.

The conservative MPs take issue with some of the articles in the legislation — citing violations of Islamic law — including keeping the legal age for women to marry at 16, the halving of the number of wives permitted to two, and having shelters for domestic abuse victims. While this law was approved by Afghan President Hamid Karzai by decree in 2009, it must be passed through parliament to solidify it and avoid any chances of it being annulled by a new president.

Having the debate deferred to a later date could risk diluting the law’s existing protections for women. As Afghanistan gears up for elections next year, it is paramount that this law is put firmly in place. The issue of women’s rights must remain a top priority in Afghanistan.