The Role of Women in Afghanistan

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In Afghanistan there is a debate on the role of women in the society. Some Afghans think that women should take part in the society while others argue against this idea. After the Taliban regime it became normal for women to work outside the house particularly in Kabul city. Still there are many opposing ideas on women working outside the house. Due to religious and cultural misperceptions some traditionalist Afghans believe that women are supposed to stay at home to do the house chores and raise their children. These conservatives think that a woman working outside is against Islamic principles. I believe that raising children and doing the house chores are important tasks for women. I do not, however, think that women should be isolated from the rest of the society. I think that it is not only women’s but also men’s responsibility to do the house chores and take care of their children. It is women’s undeniable right to take part in the society. Also some women have financial hardships that make them work outside the house. Above all women need to be educated in the society just like men.

In Afghanistan a number of people think that working and studying outside the house is not good for women.  It is argued that women who go out to work or study misuse their freedom and commit prostitution, something that stands in direct opposition to both Islamic belief and Afghan culture. For instance, some women put on so much make up and wear un-Islamic clothing that attracts men, some of whom use this opportunity t

o harass these women. In the long run these behaviors will cause to spread the prohibited deed, prostitution, in the country. It is also said that women who work outside the house cannot raise healthy kids because these women end up spending a lot of time and energy working or studying outside the house, which leaves them with little time to share their maternal love with their kids. This negatively affects their kids.

However, I think these arguments are not completely true. First of all an educated woman does not do what harms her. This undoubtedly refutes the argument that women wear fewer clothing and a lot of make up causing prostitution in the country. Also an unaware woman’s siblings can advise her not to wear what causes uneducated men to harass her. Women working outside or studying is not something new. Islam has granted rights to women 1,400 years ago. For women working outside their homes, the best example is that of our Prophet Muhammad’s wife, Bebe Khadija. Bebe Khadija was a businesswoman; she used to travel to the cities of Arabia to trade. Women are, therefore, not forbidden in Islam to go out in the community for a job. Unless women’s guardians and husbands are uncomfortable and women’s clothing, acting, and talking are not according to Islamic principles, they can visit their relatives and female friends. If necessary their Mahram (a close male relative) can accompany them. (www.themuslimwoman.com). Aside from Islam, women’s rights to work and study is clear in the bill of women’s rights; in the convention to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women (CEDAW), which is approved by the UN General Assembly in 1979 and all countries of the world have confirmed except the United States of America. (uk.oneworld.net). Furthermore, it is every individual