Old traditions, an obstacle for Afghan women
The two extremes have always been a problem for Afghanistan. On the one hand, a very few Afghan women have quickly adapted to the new western style in big cities. While others in villages are still suffering from old traditions that prevent them from the least education.
After the fall of Taliban in 2001, following resurgence of Northern Alliance and now under the command of Hamid Karzi Afghanistan has started to move towards prosperity - however, very slow and gradually. Just months before the new government, women couldn’t dare to come out without Burqa or even they sat at home the whole 12 months of year; whereas, now the same Afghan women not only walk on the streets of Kabul and Mazar-e-Sharif but also drive cars.
People start sending their daughters to schools, colleges and universities - which was impossible in the Taliban regime. Men started living freely - no more obligations to put on beard and wearing turban. Today many Afghan women go to work. They go to universities as student and lecturers. They are almost involved in all fields. But to what extent they fulfil their responsibilities towards their country – a county which has just came out of the civil war and overcame terrorism -, less people know. There are questions to be answered. The question which a colleague asked me just few days ago was why don’t we study or find a job instead of spending 6 hours on makeup and choosing clothing style? It could be asked from many other women too. Many girls in Kabul have very soon adjusted the new western styles of cloths and makeup. On the other hand, the other question that should be asked is what percentage of women is free to get education or work? Very few! There are still cities and villages where women are not authorised to come out of home. Of course, not because The Taliban would kill them, but because the “nonsense and irrational” old traditional mentality will be damaged.
The percentage of women who had some access to education and job are more successful today whereas the ones left behind the closed doors are regressed.
One of the well known saying ‘Today’s Daughter, Tomorrow’s Mother’ might remind us how important it is to concentrate on the education and success of women in general and particularly an Afghan woman. Leaving you with a thought of what can those meaningless traditions have given so far or what they will give us in the future, I ask all Afghan women to move forward in all possible fields and carry out their responsibilities towards their country.
After the fall of Taliban in 2001, following resurgence of Northern Alliance and now under the command of Hamid Karzi Afghanistan has started to move towards prosperity - however, very slow and gradually. Just months before the new government, women couldn’t dare to come out without Burqa or even they sat at home the whole 12 months of year; whereas, now the same Afghan women not only walk on the streets of Kabul and Mazar-e-Sharif but also drive cars.
People start sending their daughters to schools, colleges and universities - which was impossible in the Taliban regime. Men started living freely - no more obligations to put on beard and wearing turban. Today many Afghan women go to work. They go to universities as student and lecturers. They are almost involved in all fields. But to what extent they fulfil their responsibilities towards their country – a county which has just came out of the civil war and overcame terrorism -, less people know. There are questions to be answered. The question which a colleague asked me just few days ago was why don’t we study or find a job instead of spending 6 hours on makeup and choosing clothing style? It could be asked from many other women too. Many girls in Kabul have very soon adjusted the new western styles of cloths and makeup. On the other hand, the other question that should be asked is what percentage of women is free to get education or work? Very few! There are still cities and villages where women are not authorised to come out of home. Of course, not because The Taliban would kill them, but because the “nonsense and irrational” old traditional mentality will be damaged.
The percentage of women who had some access to education and job are more successful today whereas the ones left behind the closed doors are regressed.
One of the well known saying ‘Today’s Daughter, Tomorrow’s Mother’ might remind us how important it is to concentrate on the education and success of women in general and particularly an Afghan woman. Leaving you with a thought of what can those meaningless traditions have given so far or what they will give us in the future, I ask all Afghan women to move forward in all possible fields and carry out their responsibilities towards their country.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete