What is the situation of women today in Afghanistan?
Today, I am going to amaze you, but this article will be written in a completely different way. Outdated ideas and other borderline pleasantries will not be included.
Years of struggles and battles to get back to square one…
The Taliban has reapplied a rigorous Sharia (“the constitution of Islam” which codifies everyday life). This Sharia is based on the book, using the words of the Prophet Muhammad (Sunna). However, these words are not accompanied by clearly described rules, which create multiple interpretations, depending on the country.
Everything therefore stems from this problem of mixing personal interpretations and of exacerbated subjectivity by the “new leaders” of Afghanistan.
Thus, the Afghan youth are again deprived of their school education in certain regions (as they were between 1996 and 2001).
A little recap of the years 1996-2001 is necessary: mega, ultra, hyper-rigorous imposition of the “constitution of Islam”, combining the prohibition of study and work for women. But also, the compulsory wearing of the burqa in public, and accompaniment by a male chaperone from their family outside the home. And to cap it all, stonings for adulterers!
Today, the regions accepting women in schools have imposed the wearing of the burqa. The Taliban are already censoring the image of “free” women in the streets, by tearing down or covering up posters advocating this hard-won liberation. Women with a position which can be considered as being "important" (media, etc.) find themselves prohibited from entering their own premises, pending a decision from the Taliban, allowing them to decide on their fate. The threats hidden under certain speeches are increasing! Fear is mounting, and for blatant reasons… Girls and women (from 12 years old) are forced into marriage and suffering abductions. Marriage for Afghan women is gradually becoming compulsory in some areas.
In the New York Times, Malala Yousafzai (Nobel Peace Prize Winner in 2014), expresses herself: "Like many women, I am afraid for my Afghan sisters". The latter, after being evacuated to Birmingham in the United Kingdom, regained consciousness 6 days after being hit by a gunshot, because of her intervention for the cause of the education of young women in 2012.
Fighters express themselves on social networks to make the whole world hear their fear and their sadness in the face of this lucubration. The evacuations carried out by certain associations are accelerating. All Afghan women are ultimately fighters, by accepting or refusing to comply with the orders of the Taliban.
Unfortunately, on Saturday, November 6, 2021, the Taliban confirmed the murder of four Afghan women, including a women's rights activist.
I have no words to say about that, just a tear to shed.
"Never forget that it only takes a political, economic or religious crisis, for women's rights to be called into question. These rights can never be taken for granted. You must remain vigilant throughout your life.”
Simone de Beauvoir.
