Afghan women's rights
President Hamid Karzai recently outlined proposals that could see the
Taliban share power in Kabul. What should not be forgotten is the
Taliban regime from 1996 to 2001.
That period in Afghanistan was characterised by brutality, a medieval
style of 'justice' and gross violations of rights, particularly women's,
rights.
Women were barred from all public activities and could leave home
only when accompanied by a male relative.
|
 An
Afghan woman walks with her child |
They were, as a matter of policy, denied schooling and even medical
aid since the Taliban decreed that they could only be attended by female
medics. The latter were a scarce commodity given that women were
prevented from attending educational institutions and kept away from the
workplace. Perceived breaches of 'Islamic law', as defined by the
Taliban, were punished by public beatings and stoning.
Since the Taliban's ouster, the status of Afghan women is considered
by the country's constitution as equal to that of men. Although there is
no doubt that they remain amongst the country's most underprivileged
groups, they have made significant gains such as winning seats in
parliament, going back to work and school, and fighting to apply
constitutional guarantees to their daily lives.
With President Karzai now ready to negotiate with the Taliban, there
are legitimate fears that he may be forced to compromise on women's
rights. Indeed, the point has been raised by the United Nations
Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against
Women, which on Friday voiced deep concern at "the absence of clear
strategies to protect women's rights in the process of the discussions
leading to negotiations with representatives of the Taliban".
The committee suggests that the government ensure female
representation in talks with the Taliban, and reiterates that "Afghan
women, who constitute the majority of the Afghan population, must be
full and equal participants in decision-making, at all levels, in the
process of peace-building, reconciliation, reconstruction and
development of their country".
The Afghan foreign minister has said that his country does not intend
to bribe Taliban foot-soldiers to stop fighting; similarly, their
cooperation must not be won at the cost of the rights of half the
country's population.
Dawn Editorial
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