The challenges ahead of Afghan women

Women in Afghanistan have huge problems. After years of efforts by government and international communities to promote women’s rights, still the country has many difficulties that women need to overcome.

Firstly, women in Afghanistan are worried that any progress by the Taliban in the battlefield to rule some parts of country would jeopardise the progress women have made in the past 15 years, as they will implement their harsh laws. Any peace deal with any radical group may affect women who are extremely vulnerable in the conservative society of Afghanistan.

Obviously women made significant achievements politically, socially and culturally, but the poor security made women increasingly targeted by radical groups even in big cities. For example, most of the women artists live abroad as they only come temporarily when they are invited by some television channels or foundations. Harassment of women in the streets and workplace is a daily occurrence.

Economically, most of the women are still dependent on men. For cultural and religious reasons they are not allowed to work or they do not have the qualifications because of the high rate of illiteracy among them. Poverty is prevalent, their dependency on men made them very vulnerable emotionally, economically and socially.

Domestic violence remains a big problem. Women suffer tremendously from violence at home. Torture, verbal and physically abuse by their husband or in-laws are problems women face after marriage. Only a few months ago a girl was killed by her brother in Takhar province because of a video with her dancing in their relative’s wedding party spread among some people. In another incident, a woman was burnt to death in Badghis province. Some safe houses have been operating to protect women who are victims of violence, but still much is needed to be done.

Politically, women are in a much better position today than they were 15 years ago. Women have a significant presence in parliament. There are at least three women in the cabinet. The real changes will occur once most of the women get educated, get economically independent and learn their rights.

The government must take important steps to protect women.

- The writer is an Afghan freelance writer based in Dubai.