Women in Afghanistan By: Emily Rheault

Reputation  Once a women’s reputation is tarnished, she is no longer respectable and society’s respect cannot be re-attained.  Men, on the other hand, can redeem their tarnished reputation through revenge.  Some events that can ruin an Afghan woman’s reputation include promiscuity, rape, and divorce.  (Society and Norms – Gender Roles: Women)

Marriage  Afghan women tend to marry young  Marriages are commonly arranged  Generally do not work outside the home, and are usually restricted to socializing with female relatives.  Afghan society regards unmarried women over the age of 25 and divorced women with disapproval.

Marriage cont.  If widowed, a brother or father of the deceased husband will often take the widow as another wife or otherwise provide for her.  (Society and Norms – Gender Roles: Women)

Under the Taliban Rule  It was mandatory for women during the rule to wear a burka to ensure modesty.  If a woman was caught not wearing a burka by the Taliban, consequences included being beaten.  Some still wear a burka for safety in areas where the Taliban are still active.  (Society and Norms – Gender Roles: Women)

AA A Common Afghan Burka

Taliban Rule cont.  The Taliban banned women from the work force, removed girls from schools, and expelled them from universities.  Prohibited women from leaving their homes unless accompanied by a close male relative  Prohibited women and girls from being examined by male physicians while at the same time prohibited female doctors and nurses from working  (Campaign for Afghan Women & Girls - Taliban & Women)

Post-Taliban  After the fall of the Taliban in 2001, women have gained political rights that include women being appointed to prominent positions in the government.  The legal age for women allowed to be married is now 17 instead of 18.  Women can be employed, but only if their male relatives permit it.

Post-Taliban Continued  The government has enforced laws that limit women’s rights that include (for Shi’a women):  Can only leave their homes except for “legitimate” purposes.  Forbids women from working or receiving education without their husbands’ express permission  Explicitly permits marital rape

Post Taliban Continued  Diminishes the right of mothers to be their children’s guardians in the event of a divorce  Makes it impossible for wives to inherit houses and land from their husbands – even though husbands may inherit immoveable property from their wives  (Life as an Afghan Woman)

Afghan Woman Voting

Facts/Statistics  More women die in pregnancy and childbirth than almost anywhere else in the world. 1 in 50 women will die during pregnancy or childbirth—one every 2 hours.  9 out 10 women are illiterate  Life expectancy is 44, one of the lowest in the world  More than 50% of Afghan girls are married or engaged by 10. Almost 60% of girls are married by 16.

Facts cont.  Only 40% of Afghan girls attend elementary school, and only one in 20 girls attend school beyond the sixth grade.  Afghanistan has 1.5 million widows, one of the highest proportions in the world.  The average age of an Afghan widow is 35.  (Life as an Afghan Woman)

Works Cited  "Society and Norms – Gender Roles: Women." Society and Norms and Gender Roles. University of Western Florida, Web. 02 Mar  "Life as an Afghan Woman." Trust in Education. Trust in Education RSS, Web. 02 Mar

Works Cited  "Campaign for Afghan Women & Girls - Taliban & Women." - Taliban & Women - Feminist Majority Foundation. Campaign for Afghan Women & Girls, Web. 02 Mar