The ongoing deterioration of women’s rights in Afghanistan persists.
According to the latest survey by UN Women, International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the UN’s Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), 745 Afghan women have reported an increase in harassment and restriction of their movements due to heightened police presence in public spaces.
The agencies reported that there have been recent incidents of strict and unjust application of the hijab law, especially in Kabul. These reports come after the agencies started holding quarterly discussions with a variety of Afghan women, a year after the Taliban regained control in August 2021.
According to the latest report, the governing body has implemented over 50 decrees that specifically limit the freedoms and respect of women.
Between 27 January and 8 February, meetings were held with UN Women, IOM, and UNAMA to gather feedback both online and in-person, where possible. Group sessions and individual telesurveys were also utilized. Women from all 34 provinces in Afghanistan were able to participate.
Individuals were requested to provide their opinions on the timeframe of October to December 2023.
Fears mount
The findings indicate that females are afraid of being arrested and the lasting negative perception and embarrassment that come with being detained by the police, according to the report.
Furthermore, more than half of women, specifically 57 percent, expressed feeling unsafe when venturing outside without a mahram, a male guardian. Their concerns for safety and levels of anxiety rose with the announcement of each new decree that targeted them specifically.
In January 2023, there was a significant decrease in the number of women who reported having “good” or “full” influence on decision making at the community level, dropping from 17% to only 1%.
Lack of agency
According to the report, the absence of a secure public area for women to come together, exchange ideas and stories, form connections, and discuss relevant matters has resulted in them being unable to take part in or have an impact on decision-making processes.
The percentage of women who report having a strong influence in household decisions has significantly dropped from 90% in January 2023 to only 32% this January.
According to the report, they persisted in connecting their diminishing influence in their own country to their limited rights, opportunities for education, and employment.
Gender roles and subordination
The women further discussed how the limitations imposed by the de facto authorities and the resulting conservative changes in societal views towards children have affected different generations and genders.
Certain participants stated that males seemed to be internalizing the societal and political domination of their female relatives, perpetuating the idea that they should stay at home in a submissive role.
The study revealed that girls’ beliefs about their opportunities were influencing their ideals and perception of their potential future.
According to a survey by the UN, Afghan women reported that their safety was at a higher risk whenever the de facto authorities implemented new decrees specifically targeting them.
International action
32% of those surveyed believe that recognition of the de facto authorities should occur only after all restrictions have been lifted. 25% feel that recognition should come after the reversal of certain bans, while 28% believe that recognition should not occur under any circumstances.
In July of 2023, a similar inquiry discovered that 96% of women believed that acknowledgement should only be given after advancements are made in women’s rights, or not at all.
Best way forward
Several participants expressed strong disappointment with certain United Nations member countries who, in their attempts to interact with the Taliban, were disregarding the seriousness of the current women’s rights crisis and the resulting breaches of international law, which are based on agreements approved by past Afghan administrations.
Certain individuals stated that a potential solution for the global community to enhance their circumstances could involve tying international assistance to improved treatment of women and offering avenues for direct communication between women and the Taliban.
Source: news.un.org
