Throughout the histories of Afghanistan and Iran, there have been moments of growth and freedom for women. However, the advent of extremism has frequently undermined these advances. Repressive regimes prioritize short-term economic and political objectives over long-term universal principles and human rights, especially women’s rights. Cultural and ideological issues perpetuate gender-based abuse, repression, and lack of autonomy for women.
Afghanistan: A Grim Milestone
On June 13, Afghanistan will mark a grim milestone: 1000 days since the Taliban imposed a ban on secondary education for girls. This ban represents not only a violation of fundamental human rights but also a significant setback with far-reaching consequences for individuals, communities, and the nation at large. For 1000 days, countless Afghan girls have been denied their basic right to education.
This is not just a crisis; it’s a catastrophe that undermines the potential of half of the population in Afghanistan. Education is a fundamental right, and every girl deserves the chance to learn and grow. The denial of this right hampers their personal development and stifles the progress of society as a whole.
The implications of this ban extend beyond individual aspirations. Educated girls contribute significantly to stronger economies. The economic impact of denying education to girls is profound, perpetuating poverty and limiting economic growth. Girls who are educated are more likely to participate in the workforce, earn higher incomes, and contribute to the economic stability of their communities and countries.
Moreover, education has been shown to have substantial health benefits. Educated women are more likely to make informed health decisions, leading to better health outcomes for themselves and their families. This ripple effect contributes to the overall well-being of communities, reducing maternal and child mortality rates and promoting healthier lives.
Education also plays a critical role in fostering social stability. Educated women are instrumental in promoting peace and stability in their communities. They are more likely to engage in civic activities, advocate for human rights, and work towards the betterment of their societies.
Reversing Progress: The Taliban Takeover
The Taliban taking over Afghanistan in August 2021 reversed over 20 years of progress made in relation to the rights of women and girls, although this progress was fragile and faced many challenges even during those 20 years.
Before the Taliban takeover in 2001, women were integral to the progress of their country. They served as judges, constituted 25% of the Parliament, held five ministerial positions, made up 40% of school children, and 30% of university professors were women. However, these numbers and the accompanying social transformation were dramatically reversed by the Taliban’s return to power.
During negotiations on political settlement and a permanent ceasefire, the Taliban promised to respect women’s rights, including their right to university education and to hold ministerial positions. Unfortunately, these promises were quickly broken. In 2023, Afghanistan ranked 146th (out of 146 countries reviewed) on the Global Gender Gap Report 2023, indicating the worst performance in terms of gender parity across four key dimensions: Economic Participation and Opportunity, Educational Attainment, Health and Survival, and Political Empowerment.
Reports from the region, including testimonies from lived experience witnesses, speak to the severe segregation and exclusion of women from society, to levels not seen anywhere else in the world right now. Women have been banned from parks, gyms, public baths, universities, and from working for domestic and international NGOs, essentially erasing them from all public spaces.
Personal Accounts of Suffering
The data from the Global Gender Gap Report 2023 is alarming, but it is crucial to remember the stories behind these numbers. The Inquiry heard several testimonies of serious human rights violations suffered by women in Afghanistan. For instance, Tamana Zaryab Paryani, a human rights defender, was detained and tortured by the Taliban for three weeks, subjected to ‘needling’ where needles were inserted into the tips of her fingers and under her nails, among other methods of torture.
Another human rights defender, under the pseudonym Maryam Ahmadi, shared the story of a young woman, Asma, who suffered two miscarriages due to physical violence from her husband. When Asma filed a complaint, the Taliban judge offered her two choices: apologize to her husband and return to her abusive life, or go to jail. Asma chose jail and has been languishing there for months.
The suppression of women’s rights in Afghanistan has serious consequences for their mental health. Female suicide has become endemic in the country, and many women face a mental health crisis of epic proportions.
The International Community’s Role
The international community’s response to this crisis has been disappointing. Despite the severity of the situation, women’s rights may be excluded from critical discussions, such as the Doha meeting agenda. This lack of commitment to addressing gender apartheid in Afghanistan is alarming and counterproductive. Attempts to accommodate the de facto authorities in hopes of fostering reform have not yielded positive changes for Afghan women.
The lack of sustained steps has emboldened the authorities, leading to further deterioration of women’s rights. Afghan women’s rights are non-negotiable and must be prioritized on the global agenda. The world must listen to Afghan women and take decisive action.
To address the ban on girls’ education in Afghanistan, several strategies could be implemented:
Challenging the Narrative
Muslim countries must challenge the de facto authorities’ narrative, clarifying that the rules imposed on women do not align with true Islamic principles. Prominent Islamic leaders should vocally oppose these measures and advocate for women’s rights in accordance with Islamic teachings.
A United International Front
The international community needs to adopt a unified stance, unequivocally condemning the restrictions on Afghan women and girls. Collective diplomatic and economic pressure should be applied to compel the Taliban de facto authorities to reverse their bans, demonstrating that the global community will not tolerate such systemic oppression.
Leveraging Internal Disunity
Exploiting the internal disunity and fragmentation within the de facto authorities can be an effective strategy. By engaging with moderate elements and supporting factions open to reform, the international community can push for progressive changes from within, fostering an environment conducive to the restoration of women’s rights.
A Call to Action
The 1000-day ban on girls’ education in Afghanistan is a call to action for the international community. It is a stark reminder of the urgent need to stand in solidarity with Afghan women and to fight for their rights. Their voices must be heard, and their rights must be upheld. Only then can we hope to see a future where every Afghan girl has the opportunity to learn and contribute to a better world.
This prolonged injustice highlights the critical need for sustained international pressure and local advocacy. The plight of Afghan girls denied education must remain at the forefront of global human rights agendas.
It is not only a matter of justice but a necessity for the social and economic development of Afghanistan. Every girl deserves the chance to reach her full potential, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that this right is restored and protected.
12-06-2024
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