Preview

Womens Oppression in Afghanistan

Best Essays
Open Document
Open Document
3493 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Womens Oppression in Afghanistan
Talibanning Women’s Rights: The Eternal Struggle Before the Taliban, a militant group that governed according to a strict sharia law, ruled Afghanistan in 1996, women were gaining rights and access to things they had never before hoped or imagined for. Once the Taliban came to power, all of the progress that they had made in the years past spiraled backwards and women had no rights throughout the entire country. The Taliban stood by a strict form of the Sharia, or Islamic, law. The Taliban interpreted this form of government in a way that provided no rights for women. After the Taliban gained control of the capital, Kabul, in 1996, women throughout all areas of the country had restrictions on what they could and could not do. Women and girls were not allowed to be educated or employed; they had to wear burkahs, full-body coverings that left only a small mesh-covered opening for the eyes, and they were not allowed to leave their homes without the accompaniment of a close male relative, among many more rules and restrictions. After the United States invasion of Afghanistan and the fall of the Taliban in 2001, women in Kabul gained back a few rights, such as education and employment, but elsewhere in other cities and in the countryside, life is not so good. Because warlords now rule the land of the country outside of the capital, conditions today are scarily similar for women as to what they were when the Taliban ruled the country, and something needs to be done for the rights of women all over Afghanistan. This is easier said than done, however. It is an extremely hard problem to grasp, let alone solve. In 2010, the United States began attempting to implement a ten-year action plan to improve conditions for women in Afghanistan. This includes reforms that will improve women and girls’ access to education, work, healthcare, government and many more benefits. This will take a long time to come into action, however. Lack of women’s rights in Afghanistan is such a


Cited: "Advancing the Rights of Women and Girls: Keys to a Better Future for Afghanistan." U.S. Department of State. Bureau of Public Affairs, 29 Jan. 2010. Web. 3 Mar. 2013. . "Afghanistan: Women’s Rights Are Non-Negotiable: Activist Guide." Amnesty International. Amnesty International, n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2013. . Bajoria, Jayshree, Greg Bruno, and Eben Kaplan. "The Taliban in Afghanistan." Council on Foreign Relations. CFR, 6 Oct. 2011. Web. 23 Feb. 2013. . Berlatsky, Noah, ed. Afghanistan. Farmington Hills, MI: Greenhaven Press, 2011. Print. "Campaign for Afghan Women & Girls." Feminist. Feminist Majority Foundation, 2012. Web. 12 Feb. 2013. . Corona, Laurel. Afghanistan. San Diego, CA: Lucent Books, 2002. Print. Esposito, John L., ed. "Taliban." ELibrary. ProQuest LLC, 1 Dec. 2004. Web. 23 Feb. 2013. . Karimjee, Mariya. "Pakistan: A Deadly Fight for Rights." Global Post. Global Post--International News, 5 Dec. 2012. Web. 13 Feb. 2013. . Lukanovich, N. "Women in Afghanistan - Before and After the Taliban." Forget the Spin. N.p., 7 Nov. 2008. Web. 23 Feb. 2013. . Maier, Sylvia. "Lifting the veil in the Middle East; Progress on women 's rights." International Herald Tribune. Global Issues in Context, 20 June 2006. Web. 14 Feb. 2013. . Oates, Lauryn. "Don 't Share a Table with the Taliban: Women 's Rights Would Be Negotiated out of Existence by Misogynists." Globe & Mail (Toronto, Canada). Global Issues in Context, 3 Nov. 2006. Web. 23 Feb. 2013. . Robson, Steve. "Step Forward for Women 's Rights in Saudi Arabia as They Get Fifth of the Seats on Government 's Advisory Council for First Time." Association for Women 's Rights in Development. AWID, 11 Jan. 2013. Web. 16 Feb. 2013. . Shroder, John F., Jr., and Jeffrey A. Gritzner. Afghanistan. Ed. Charles F. Gritzner. New York, NY: Infobase Learning, 2011. Print. "Taliban." Encyclopedia of the Modern Middle East & North Africa. Ed. Philip Mattar. 2nd ed. Vol. 4. Farmington Hills, MI: Thomson Gale, 2004. 2154-55. Print. "Women 's Rights in Afghanistan." Amnesty International. Amnesty international, UK, 28 Jan. 2013. Web. 16 Feb. 2013. . "World Report 2012: Iraq." Human Rights Watch. Human Rights Watch, n.d. Web. 18 Feb. 2013. . "World Report 2012: Saudi Arabia." Human Rights Watch. Human Rights Watch, n.d. Web. 18 Feb. 2013. .
Continue Reading
View Writing Issues

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    Fear Of Taliban Drives Women Out Of Kunduz Summary
    • 867 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Fear Of Taliban Drives Women Out Of Kunduz Summary

    According to author Alisa J. Rubin in article, “Fear of Taliban Drives Women out of Kunduz”. Author explains how women are treating in Afghanistan, men force their commands and laws on women. If women don’t agree to follow them, they either kill or abuse them. “Hassina Sarwari she is a bad woman, and if we had captured her, she would be hanged in the main circle in Kunduz city” (Rubin .8).…

    • 867 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    The Patience Stone Sparknotes
    • 441 Words
    • 2 Pages

    The Patience Stone Sparknotes

    In Afghanistan, women are still routinely arrested and jailed for “running away” or for adultery, the current law does not recognize the crime rape, and the rate of forced marriages are sky rocketing. Any woman that dares to speak out or attempts to affect change incurs at best abuse and threats, at worse death. In this culture, if a woman is outspoken and involved in a political and social life then she is bound to be a victim of attack. The Patience Stone by Atiq Rahimi explores the ways through which personal and political oppression can be resisted through acts of self-revelation. I learned the violence that we are capable of imposing upon ourselves and others both in our personal as well as political and social relations.…

    • 441 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Injustice In Afghanistan Women
    • 983 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Injustice In Afghanistan Women

    In Afghanistan women basically have no control over their lives. The author of the article states, “Up to 80 percent of marriages in poor rural areas are forced or arranged” (www.trustineducation.org). Forced marriage is a complete denial of human rights. Humans are given the constitutional right of free will. As humans these women should be able to choose if they want to get married, and who they marry. But that right is overwritten when their fathers decide to sell them off to other men. Afghan women are seen as objects that can be sold and bargained for by men. Another injustice stated by the author, “Married girls do not continue their education and remain illiterate” (www.trustineducation.org). After these women are forced to be married they are also forced to discontinue their education. Education is another right given to humans. Afghan women are forced to stop their education so they can get married and take care of the children they are expected to birth. It is assumed that they will not need an education because their husband will have one. This is an injustice because this leaves women uneducated and unable to progress in their future career. They are expected to stay home, clean, and take care of the children while the men provide for the family. The author also states, “Young wives also have low status in the family and are more likely to be abused by their husbands and/or in-laws”…

    • 983 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Reflective Essay: Oppression Of Women In Afghanistan
    • 396 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Reflective Essay: Oppression Of Women In Afghanistan

    I remember the annual summer vacation trips my family had to Afghanistan when I was a child. I could recall holding my mom’s hand while I walked around the bazaars wondering why so many women had thrown blue bed sheets on themselves in this humid weather. I asked my mom and she just laughed and told me it was a fashion statement. When I was older, I learned it was a burka and these women wore it in order to prevent the arousal of men. They oppressed themselves in fear of a distortion of Islam. I realized as an Afghan girl living in a patriarchal society I needed to show the world that I am independent and resilient. I strived to be an exemplar of self-sufficiency and demonstrate that I am no less than any man. This mindset of resistance and…

    • 396 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Afghan Women's Rights Case Study
    • 1210 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Afghan Women's Rights Case Study

    But what about the Afghan women? Suraia isn't buying it. "This is a tired and debunked orientalist argument. Given that we live in the Information Age, my hope is that those who believe and repeat these claims make the effort to read statistical reports on the quality of life for women in Afghanistan, and how much of the progress, albeit with flawed results, had little to nothing to do with military warfare." Turns out, bombs aren't conducive to gender equality or political rights - imagine that.…

    • 1210 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Women's Roles In I Am Malala
    • 1939 Words
    • 8 Pages

    Women's Roles In I Am Malala

    Women in this country are fortunate to live in the United States, because they have better opportunities and equalities in life just like men do. However, women have the educational opportunities to become lawyers, doctors, and many more extensive career opportunities in the USA. Swat Valley in Pakistan, was a beautiful place full of mountains, waterfalls, crystal lakes and was surrounded by tourists before Maulana Fazlullah, leader of Taliban army, twenty eight year old, brought chaos to Swat Valley. The Taliban army made a huge impact in Swat Valley geographically and with women’s rights because they introduced feared in this community, but mainly to women. The Taliban prohibited music, TV, Radio, and later would go house by house to check…

    • 1939 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Women In Afghanistan
    • 627 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Women In Afghanistan

    Afghan women face terrible issues that seem unimportant to the community, Their government encourage the inappropriate behavior brought upon them. They have no savior to take them from this neglect when the family are the ones to bring you into this imprisonment. According to a survey by Thompson Reuters Foundation, Afghanistan is one of the most dangerous places in the world to be born a woman. (No Country for Women). Afghanistan as a country has been through major trials and tribulations but the women always gets the most of the damage. And even a little more than a decade later after Taliban has fallen some of the same laws still apply and the women are still suffering.…

    • 627 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Women's Rights In Afghanistan
    • 1637 Words
    • 7 Pages

    Women's Rights In Afghanistan

    During the 1980’s, the Soviet Union invaded and occupied Afghanistan. With aid from the United States, militia forces called the Mujahedeen, or soldiers of god, forced the Soviets out of Afghanistan. However, soon thereafter, there was tremendous internal fighting and a number of groups were fighting for power. A group of young men and boys of Afghan descent emerged from this fighting as a powerful group. This group did not live in afghan society. They were raised in refugee camps and trained in ultra conservative religious schools mainly in Pakistan. This group became known as the Taliban and once in power they vowed to restore order and enforce strict Islamic law in Afghanistan. (“The Taliban and Afghan Woman”). However, no one in mankind could have predicted what this group would do to the women of…

    • 1637 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    Homeschooling: Solution for Educating Girls in Afghanistan
    • 1889 Words
    • 8 Pages

    Homeschooling: Solution for Educating Girls in Afghanistan

    Bearak, Barry. "As War Enters Classroom, Fear Grips Afghan." Www.nytimes.com. New York Times Company, 10 July 2007. Web. 15 April 2011. <http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/10/world/asia/10afghan.html?_r=1>.…

    • 1889 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    Women's Rights In Afghanistan Essay
    • 1031 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Women's Rights In Afghanistan Essay

    The Western world has a widespread flawed perception about what women's rights in Afghanistan have always been like. Before the conflict in the 1970s began, the future looked bright for Afghan women. They were given the right to vote in 1919, gender separation was abolished in the 1950s, and a new constitution promised more equality for women in the 1960s. Contrary to photographs the Western world sees of Afghan women dressed in burqas from head-to-toe, Horia Mosadiq, who was just a young girl when the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in 1979, recalls a very different life for women, "As a girl, I remember my mother wearing miniskirts and taking us to the cinema." Noticeably, times have changed and those days are distant from the reality…

    • 1031 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    In Love and War
    • 2060 Words
    • 9 Pages

    In Love and War

    Abstract: Women of Afghanistan are forced to live under oppressive regulations set forth for them by the men of their societies. Women have virtually no rights to do anything for themselves. There entire lives are controlled by and lived for someone else. Through their songs, they lament the conditions of their lives and are able to convey a beauty in their verses that all people can identity with. (67 words)…

    • 2060 Words
    • 9 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Best Essays

    Qatar Foreign Policy Towards the Middle East
    • 2484 Words
    • 10 Pages

    Qatar Foreign Policy Towards the Middle East

    N, D.” World Report 2011:World report 212 Qatar”. Human Rights Watch (January 2012), http://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/related_material/qatar_2012.pdf. Retrieved, April 21, 2013…

    • 2484 Words
    • 10 Pages
    Best Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    The Invasion of Afghanistan by Us
    • 492 Words
    • 2 Pages

    The Invasion of Afghanistan by Us

    Twelve years have passed since the invasion of Afghanistan by US, British and Canadian troops and much has changed. Some are very beneficial like all girl schools, efforts to stop drug trade and sense of democracy in Afghanistan, states Michael Turner, US congressman of third district of Ohio. He explains how the education of women is a drastic change from a mere four years ago, where few women could rarely set foot out of home without a male chaperone, and even fewer knew how to read or write, and how it will transform the structure of the Afghani lifestyle in the future.…

    • 492 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Afghanistan War
    • 1083 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Afghanistan War

    Koofi, Fawzia. The Guardian. Guardian News and Media Limited. October 4, 2011. www.guardian.co.uk/commemtisfree/2011.oct/04/dreams-afghan-women-taliban-rights (accessed October 4, 2011).…

    • 1083 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    “Women Will Never Enjoy the Same Rights as Men.” Do You Agree?
    • 808 Words
    • 4 Pages

    “Women Will Never Enjoy the Same Rights as Men.” Do You Agree?

    Women are starting to have equal opportunities in politics in many countries, and this is a big step towards achieving gender equality. Leaders are increasing chosen based on meritocracy and not gender. Hence, both men and women have the same opportunity to display their ability and gain support from the public. People are getting more educated and hence have the open-mindedness to not let gender preferences sway their rational decisions. America’s Hillary Clinton, Condoleezza Rice, Germany’s Angela Merkel and China’s Wu Yi are just few of the women who are starting to take part in politics, holding the right to make policies and decisions just like other male politicians. In the landmark move for the infamously restrictive United Arab Emirates (UAE), a total of nine women were voted into its national Federal Council in 2007. In 2005, Kuwait’s government finally gave women full voting rights and the chance to run for public office. This is a big contrast to the 1990s, where women do not have any political rights, and also a political headway that signals a shift towards equal rights between the two genders.…

    • 808 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More

Related Topics