Gender Apartheid in Afghanistan under the Taliban
By Adis Duderija, New Age Islam
31 August 2023
The resurgence of the Taliban in Afghanistan some two years
ago has marked a devastating setback for women's rights in the country. The
severity of the situation is highlighted by a joint report by Richard Bennett,
the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, and
Dorothy Estrada-Tanck, Chair of the Working Group on discrimination against
women and girls. Their report unequivocally states that women and girls in
Afghanistan are enduring extreme discrimination that amounts to gender
persecution and can be characterized as gender apartheid. In this article I
want to describe the harrowing realities faced by Afghan women and emphasize
the urgent need for international intervention.
Photo: Renew Europe
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Systematic Suppression of Women's Rights
Under Taliban rule, women's rights have been systematically
suppressed, suffocating every aspect of their lives. The Taliban's strict
interpretation of Islamic law has led to the banning of women from attending
schools, working in NGO offices, and participating in public office and the
judiciary. The above-mentioned joint report states that "women and girls
in Afghanistan are experiencing severe discrimination that may amount to gender
persecution – a crime against humanity – and be characterised as gender apartheid,
as the de facto authorities appear to be governing by systemic discrimination
with the intention to subject women and girls to total domination". These restrictions not only curtail women's
personal freedoms but also hinder the progress of Afghan society as a whole.
Education is a vital tool for empowerment and social advancement, and by
denying women access to education, the Taliban is ensuring the perpetuation of
gender inequality and limiting the country's potential for development.
The Taliban's oppressive policies also extend to the
economic sphere, where women's ability to work and contribute to their
families' livelihoods has been severely curtailed. By excluding women from the
workforce, the Taliban is not only depriving them of financial independence but
also undermining the overall economic growth and stability of Afghanistan. It
is essential for the international community to recognize the significance of
economic empowerment for women and advocate for inclusive economic policies
that enable Afghan women to participate fully and contribute to the rebuilding
of their nation.
Brutal Imposition of Punishments
The Taliban's harsh interpretation of Islamic law has
resulted in the brutal imposition of punishments on women. Stoning, lashing,
and amputation have become tools of intimidation and control. These cruel
practices not only cause physical harm but also instill fear among women,
effectively silencing their voices and perpetuating a climate of oppression.
The international community must condemn such barbaric acts and take decisive
action to protect the fundamental rights and dignity of Afghan women.
The brutal punishments imposed by the Taliban serve as a
chilling deterrent to women who dare to challenge the status quo. By subjecting
women to such inhumane treatment, the Taliban aims to enforce conformity and
maintain a patriarchal power structure. The international community must make
it clear that such actions are unacceptable and stand in direct violation of
universally recognized human rights principles. Sanctions, diplomatic pressure,
and targeted assistance should be employed to hold the Taliban accountable for
their egregious violations and work towards dismantling the culture of fear
that prevails in Afghanistan.
Widespread Restrictions on Women's Rights
The Taliban's edicts have imposed widespread restrictions on
the rights of women and girls, encompassing various aspects of their lives.
From curbing their freedom of movement and dictating their attire and behaviour
to limiting their access to education, healthcare, and justice, Afghan women
find themselves trapped in a web of oppressive regulations. This should be
recognised for what it is, a form of apartheid, gender-apartheid.
The freedom of movement is a basic human right that enables
individuals to pursue education, employment, and opportunities for personal
growth. By restricting women's mobility, the Taliban effectively confines them
to their homes, stripping them of agency and autonomy. This not only hampers
their ability to access essential services but also perpetuates their reliance
on male relatives, further exacerbating gender inequality.
The Taliban's imposition of strict dress codes and behavioural
expectations further reinforces the notion that women's bodies and actions must
be controlled. Such restrictions infringe upon women's right to self-expression
and individuality, reducing them to mere objects subjected to societal norms
and expectations. The international community must advocate for the freedom of
expression and choice, encouraging Afghan women to reclaim their identities and
challenge the oppressive norms imposed upon them.
Access to education, healthcare, and justice is vital for
the well-being and empowerment of women. The Taliban's restrictions in these
areas deny women their basic rights, leaving them vulnerable and marginalized.
Education is not only a means to acquire knowledge but also a tool for
empowerment and social change. By denying women access to education, the
Taliban perpetuates a cycle of ignorance and dependence. Similarly, limited
access to healthcare and justice denies women essential services and denies them
recourse in cases of abuse or discrimination.
The Taliban's treatment of women in Afghanistan is nothing
short of a gender apartheid, as characterized by experts in the field. Afghan
women, who were making significant strides towards empowerment and equality
over the past two decades, now face an uncertain and perilous future. Their
rights and freedoms have been erased, and their voices have been silenced by a
regime that is inherently anti-women. According to the UN, around 80% of girls
and young women of school age are not in education. This systematic suppression of women's
rights, brutal imposition of punishments, and widespread restrictions on their
freedoms demand urgent attention from the international community. Efforts must
be made to protect their rights, provide aid and support, and hold the Taliban
accountable for their actions. Only through collective action can we hope to
restore justice, dignity, and equality for the women of Afghanistan and prevent
a humanitarian crisis from further deepening. The time to act is now.
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A decades old patron of New Age Islam, Dr Adis Duderija
is a Senior Lecturer in the Study of Islam and Society, School of Humanities,
Languages and Social Science ; Senior Fellow Centre for Interfaith and
Intercultural Dialogue, Griffith University | Nathan | Queensland | Australia.
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/gender-apartheid-afghanistan-taliban/d/130574
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