To Whom It May Concern,
The Afghan government has, as is well-known, imposed significant limitations on the lives of women. After coming to power through a war against the Ghani government last year, the Taliban government has in the meantime taken several hardcore measures against the rights of women in education, profession and other terms. Girls’ education especially at the secondary and higher secondary levels was banned a few months ago and significant restrictions were imposed on women’s professions. Among other significant measures, women’s education at universities was banned a few days ago. Continued suppressive measures against women have consequently raised concerns among many, not only in Afghanistan but also in the world.
It is pertinent to note that there are several causes for the restriction of women’s rights in Afghanistan. Controversial Islamic laws and a patriarchal mentality are the main causes. The Taliban government established Islamic rules immediately after coming to power. Notably, Islamic laws are there in several other countries especially in the Middle East including Saudi Arabia. But women’s rights are not as restricted as they are in Afghanistan. Women can obtain university education and work outside of the home in many Islamic countries. But the Afghan government adopted a hardcore version of Islamic values to rule Afghanistan leading to the repression and suppression of women. Probably, patriarchal social norms also play an added role in the imposition of restrictions on Afghan women in the name of religion.
But the impacts of the suppression of women are immense on women, children, their families and societies. Afghan women will be unable to understand their lives and play their roles in the development of themselves and their families, given that they are deprived of education and work opportunities because of restrictions. A lack of education will also increase superstition among women that can lead to the upbringing of their children with superstitious beliefs, meaning that the deprivation of women from education has remarkable generational effects. Moreover, millions of Afghan families are affected by economic troubles due to the long civil war, limited resources and other causes. Depriving women of their economic roles may further increase economic troubles. If restrictions continue, the future situation is likely to worsen.
It is desired that the government provides more space for women. No doubt, the present Taliban government is supposed to be different from its earlier version because of the improved education and significant international experience of its leaders. But this is not reflected in its activities especially regarding Afghan women. Many decisions went against the expectation. The Taliban government needs to change its hardcore mentality of suppressing women. Even if the Afghan government wants to keep Islamic values, it needs to increasingly apply a moderate or more acceptable version of such values at least in some aspects that can stop suppression and provide women the deserving space.
Amir M Sayem
Chief Editor
Dhaka Opinion Magazine
