Discussing Hidden Aspects of Violence Against Women in Afghanistan

23 Aug 2024
Discussing Hidden Aspects of Violence Against Women in Afghanistan

Women and Children Legal Research Foundation-WCLRF conducted an online conference entitled “Discussing Hidden Aspects of Violence Against Women in Afghanistan” with the participation of 53 people on November 29, 2023. The participants included women’s rights activists, civil activists, directors and representatives of women-led organizations, WHRDs, and WCLRF staff. The conference was part of a series of events conducted by WCLRF during the 16-Days of Activism campaign and aimed to identify the roots and causes of violence, analyze violence’s effects on women’s daily lives, and provide solutions and ways forward considering the existing challenges and opportunities.

Ms. Zarqa Yaftali, executive director of WCLRF, inaugurated the conference by praising the solidarity of women and girls in combating gender apartheid and violence in Afghanistan. She noted that while the world is working to eliminate violence against women, the situation of women in Afghanistan is deteriorating. Ms. Yaftali commended the gathering of women discussing the issue, sharing ideas, and finding solutions, emphasizing the importance of consistent action from women.

Ms. Aqila Mustafawi- Danner Afghanistan Program Manager, discussed the escalating violence in Afghanistan, highlighting that women are disproportionately affected by conflicts and violence. She criticized the inadequacy of global campaigns in addressing the situation of Afghanistan women. Ms. Mustafawi urged women and girls to maintain hope and energy, emphasizing the importance of teaching the next generation values of equality, justice, and humanity. She identified poverty, patriarchy, and lack of solidarity among women and girls as primary causes of the increasing violence against women in Afghanistan.

Ms. Enjila Barati- director of KWA, stated that After August 2021, the suppression of media and lack of mechanisms to register violence cases in Afghanistan has led to an escalation in the number of gender-based violence. Ms. Enjila Barati expressed concern that poverty and limited job opportunities for women have contributed to an increase in underage and forced marriages. She added that the government’s failure to register violence cases, lack of judicial systems to prosecute perpetrators, and media restrictions have exacerbated the dire situation for women in Afghanistan.

Ms. Shukria Momand, a WCLRF trainer, highlighted the pervasive impact of violence on women’s lives in Afghanistan, where they are treated as second-class citizens. She attributed the causes of violence to factors such as poverty, cultural norms, illiteracy, and limited job opportunities. To address this, she emphasized the importance of unity among women and girls, continued international advocacy, and recognition of gender apartheid in Afghanistan.

Dr. Mahbooba Noori stated that the effects of violence are widespread. She claimed that violence can cause a decrease in women’s participation in decision-making processes, women’s migration from their homes, and psychological problems.

Ms. Anisa Nabiyar- director of Badakhshan Volunteer Women, stated that Taliban officials frequently commit acts of violence against women in Afghanistan with frequent cases happening in public before with all people witnessing.

Ms. Nadira Rashidi urged the international community to condemn the Taliban’s widespread violence against women in Afghanistan. She emphasized that following the Taliban’s ban on women’s employment, the UN should allocate a portion of its budget to support women human rights defenders and women-led organizations in the country.

The conference was successful in bringing women from different backgrounds to discuss the ongoing violence against women and all participants agreed that unity among women in Afghanistan is the only pathway for the realization of women’s rights.