As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it is important to highlight in what state women’s and girls’ rights are worldwide. During an interview, I had with an Afghan Youth Advocate for gender equality, regarding the situation of girls in Afghanistan, she stated clearly: “These girls are just breathing and not living anymore”.
Since August 2021, Afghan girls have been subject to cruel laws and restrictions representing a threat to their livelihood. Regrettably, they are denied education beyond the primary level. Denying education to girls is detrimental to their well-being. School is not solely a place for education but also creates a space where children can interact with their peers. Interaction with people outside of the family is essential for sound development. However, restrictions on education establish an environment where girls cannot leave their homes freely. These predicaments lay the basis for isolation, which put Afghan girls in a state of helplessness and hopelessness. According to a survey conducted by the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan, almost half of the interviewees knew girls in their entourage who suffered from anxiety or depression. 7.8% knew a woman or girl who attempted suicide. Unfortunately for some girls, suicide has become the only escape from a life not worth living. Furthermore, less access to education often coincides with child marriages. Considering the current dire humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, families cannot provide for every child and resort to giving their girls’ hands in matrimony, hoping for a better future for them.
Let’s not forget that much improvement is needed to preserve the rights of women and girls. It is paramount that everyone educates themselves on this topic and shares stories of Afghan girls to ensure their situation is not overlooked. Anybody can play their part by raising awareness of the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan and standing up for their rights. Supporting NGOs and organisations on the ground through donations can be another way to support the protection of girls and women’s rights in Afghanistan.
– Nina, Youth Ambassador
Sources:
https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/taliban-afghanistan
https://www.cfr.org/blog/women-week-un-taliban-officials-meet-discuss-womens-rights-afghanistan
https://www.amnesty.org.uk/womens-rights-afghanistan-history
https://www.dw.com/en/afghanistantaliban-increase-crackdown-on-girls-education/a-67257146
https://www.unicef.org/media/141001/file/UNICEF%20Annual%20Report%202022%20EN.pdf
https://www.unicef.org/media/150606/file/Afghanistan-Humanitarian-SitRep-November-2023.pdf
https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/g23/125/67/pdf/g2312567.pdf?token=70uFRKhu90V8NEjsZA&fe=true
