The Precarious State Of Women's Safety In Afghanistan

Afghanistan is widely considered to be one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a woman. Women and girls in the country face a range of issues, including restricted freedom of movement, oppressive dress codes, a lack of protection from violence, forced marriage, and limited access to education and employment. The situation has deteriorated in recent years, particularly following the Taliban's return to power in 2021, which has resulted in the reversal of women's rights and the exclusion of women from public life. Women in Afghanistan are also at risk of abduction, crime, harassment, and other forms of violence, making it unsafe for solo female travellers.

Women's rights in Afghanistan

Afghanistan has been described as the worst place in the world to be a woman. Women's rights in the country have oscillated over the years, depending on the regime in power.

In 1919, Afghan women were granted the right to vote, and in 1920, the first school for girls opened. In the 1970s, the Afghan government raised the marriage age for women from 18 to 21, abolished polygamy, and introduced compulsory education. However, after the Mujahideen and the Taliban gained power in the 1990s, severe restrictions were placed on women's rights.

Under the Taliban's first regime (1996-2001), women had very little freedom. They were barred from attending school, working, leaving the house without a male chaperone, and speaking publicly. When the Taliban was overthrown by the US following the 9/11 attacks, women's rights gradually improved.

In 2021, the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan, and once again imposed severe restrictions on women. Women are barred from traveling more than 70 km without a close male relative and must wear face coverings in public. They are banned from working in most sectors outside of health and education and are prohibited from studying in secondary schools and universities. They also face restrictions on their access to public spaces, such as parks and gyms, and beauty salons run by women were ordered to shut down.

The Taliban's policies have had a devastating impact on women's lives, with limited access to education, employment, and basic services. Women in Afghanistan face rising levels of domestic violence, abuse, and exploitation. They are also at risk of forced marriage and early marriage, with one in three girls being forced to marry before the age of 18.

Despite the Taliban's claims to respect women's rights, their actions indicate otherwise. The international community must take a strong stand against these violations and support Afghan women in their fight for equality and human rights.

Safety at night

Afghanistan is considered unsafe for women, especially at night. The country is deemed to be in a constant state of conflict, terrorism, and political instability, with a high risk of abduction, crime, and harassment. Women are restricted in their freedom of movement and dress, and are often subject to violence, forced marriage, and a lack of protection from the state.

Walking alone at night is particularly dangerous due to the ongoing military conflict, terrorism, and criminal activity. Women are advised to opt for reputable and secure transportation if they need to travel after dark and to prioritize their safety at all times. Public transportation is also considered unsafe, with underdeveloped infrastructure and poor security.

Street harassment is a significant concern, with women receiving unwanted attention, stares, and threatening behaviours. While having a local guide or travelling in a group may help, it will not completely eradicate the issue.

Additionally, women in Afghanistan face restrictions on their unaccompanied activities due to cultural norms and limitations. It is considered respectful to only talk to a man's wife if given his permission, and women are expected to walk behind their male companions.

To stay safe at night, women are advised to:

• Opt for secure and reputable transportation after dark.
• Stay updated on the political climate and security situation.
• Utilise trusted private transportation, if possible.
• Take strong personal safety measures.
• Keep belongings secure and close at all times to prevent petty crimes like theft and pickpocketing.
• Be cautious and exercise safety precautions at all times.

Overall, Afghanistan is a highly unsafe place for women, and travelling there, especially alone and at night, is strongly discouraged by many countries' foreign offices.

Public transportation

Even before this decree, women faced significant challenges and risks when using public transportation in Afghanistan. Women travelling alone were at risk of harassment and cultural conservatism issues. The infrastructure is often in poor condition, with roads in need of serious repair, and there are increased incidents of roadside attacks and general security incidents.

In Kabul, the capital, there is a bus system, but it is unreliable and irregular. There are also countless taxis, a few municipality buses, and some private minivans. However, women commuters have reported that taxi drivers often refuse to pick them up if they are alone, or charge them double or triple the normal fare if they sit in the front seat. In addition, very few seats are reserved for women, and men are often allowed to occupy the ladies' seats.

In the past, there was a functional public transport system in Kabul, with electric buses available everywhere. However, decades of war, political turmoil, and neglect have left the transport system in a state of disrepair.

Due to the lack of a reliable public transport system, many people in Afghanistan rely on private transportation. This includes taxis, auto rickshaws, and private cars, vans, trucks, and buses for long-distance travel.

Street harassment

The conservative cultural setting in Afghanistan makes the experience of street harassment even more uncomfortable for women. The repercussions for men caught harassing women are high, but the problem persists and is becoming a culture in Afghanistan. Women often remain silent about their experiences due to the predominant culture of "shame" and "honour," which further perpetuates the issue.

There have been some efforts to address street harassment in Afghanistan. In 2011, Young Women for Change organised the first march to raise awareness of the issue, and in 2015, Free Women Writers, an Afghan blog, called on people to send photos and messages about harassment in public spaces. Additionally, the Elimination of Violence against Women Law (EVAW Law) and the Anti-Harassment of Women and Children Law have been enacted to address harassment and violence against women. However, the effectiveness of these laws has been limited due to conservative parliamentary opposition and strained relations between the executive and legislative powers.

Overall, street harassment in Afghanistan is a pervasive issue that has severe impacts on women's lives and well-being, and further efforts are needed to address and eradicate this problem.

Petty crimes

Women in Afghanistan are also at a high risk of being kidnapped, and subsequently, raped. In many cases, the women are then arrested and charged with zina (sexual intercourse by two individuals who are not married to each other). In some cases, the women are also charged with "running away" (fleeing from their homes).

Women in Afghanistan are also subject to forced prostitution, and are often forced to work as prostitutes to raise money.

The Afghan government has failed to provide accountability for violence against women and girls, and has undermined progress to protect women's rights. The Taliban's severe restrictions and unlawful crackdown on women and girls' rights should be investigated as possible crimes under international law.

The Taliban's treatment of women and girls should be investigated as the crime against humanity of gender persecution.

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