Polygamy's Persistent Presence In Afghanistan

In Afghanistan, an Islamic Republic under Sharia Law, men are permitted to have up to four wives, as allowed by Islam. This practice is known as polygyny, and while it is not universally practised or approved, it is still common for wealthy men to have multiple wives. Polygyny is often justified for reasons such as a woman's infertility, and it is considered preferable to divorce due to the associated stigma in Afghan society. Additionally, it can provide economic benefits and increased social influence for men. However, it is important to note that gender roles in Afghanistan are highly patriarchal and defined by religious and moral beliefs, which contribute to the seclusion and exclusion of women in certain aspects of public life.

Polygamy in Afghanistan

Afghanistan is an Islamic republic under Sharia Law, which allows for polygyny. Afghan men are permitted to take up to four wives, as outlined in the Qur'an. However, it is important to note that polygamy is not universally practised or approved by all Afghan men.

The civil law in Afghanistan stipulates certain requirements for men seeking new wives. They must prove that they can financially support all their wives and any children resulting from these marriages. Additionally, they must demonstrate a lawful reason for the new marriage and ensure that their current wives are treated equally and without fear of injustice. However, it has been reported that these regulations are often not followed, and many women face pressure to remain in polygamous marriages due to financial dependence, religious indoctrination, and fear of social disapproval.

While polygamy is permitted in Afghanistan, it is not universally accepted or practised by all. Some men who can afford multiple wives choose monogamy to avoid potential domestic disputes among wives. Furthermore, many Afghan men cannot afford the financial burden of multiple marriages, including dowries and wedding costs. According to a 2010 survey by the International Council on Security and Development, 82% of Afghan men suggested that providing financial support for dowries and weddings would be more effective in discouraging young men from joining the Taliban than polygamy.

In recent years, there have been efforts to address and curb polygamy in Afghanistan. In 2009, President Hamid Karzai issued the Elimination of Violence Against Women Act, which would have outlawed polygamy, but it was never ratified. In 2022, Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada issued a decree banning Taliban members from practising polygamy due to concerns about corruption and the embezzlement of funds to support multiple wives. However, this decree does not apply retroactively, and exceptions are made for men who wish to marry widows or those who can afford multiple wives through family property.

Reasons for polygamy

Afghanistan is an Islamic Republic under Sharia Law, which allows for polygyny. Afghan men are permitted to take up to four wives, as long as they can financially support them and treat them equally. While polygamy is not universally approved of by Afghan men, there are several reasons why it persists.

Firstly, polygamy is rooted in the historical and cultural context of Afghanistan. It has been practiced for thousands of years in different cultures and regions, often as a way to increase wealth, political alliances, or social status. In some cases, it was also a means of ensuring the family line would continue when there was a shortage of men.

Secondly, religious and spiritual beliefs play a significant role in the continuation of polygamy. In Islam, for instance, polygyny of up to four wives is accepted as long as all wives are treated equally. Additionally, in some African and Native American cultures, polygamy is seen as a way of spiritual connection with ancestors and the afterlife.

Thirdly, economic factors are a driving force behind polygamy. Men may take on multiple wives to increase their family's productivity, gain more labour, and maximise resources. In some cultures, having multiple wives is seen as a symbol of wealth and status, with men who can support multiple wives viewed as powerful and successful.

Lastly, polygamy is sometimes viewed as a solution to personal or emotional issues. For instance, a common reason for an Afghan man to take another wife is his first wife's infertility. Due to the stigma surrounding divorce in Afghan society, polygamy is often seen as a way to cope with differences in a marriage. Additionally, some women would rather be a third or fourth wife than remain single, even if they are abused or unfairly treated.

While polygamy offers certain advantages, it also has several disadvantages, including jealousy, insecurity, and tension between spouses, as well as the potential for unequal treatment and power imbalances. It is also important to note that polygamy is not always a choice, and some women may be forced into polygamous marriages due to societal pressure or economic reasons, leading to a lack of autonomy and negative consequences such as domestic violence.

Women's rights in Afghanistan

Pre-1979: Women Enjoy Broad Freedoms

Before 1979, Afghan women enjoyed a level of freedom comparable to women in other countries. They gained the right to vote in 1919, a year before women in the US. Throughout the 1960s, women's rights expanded, and greater equality was emphasised in the Afghan constitution.

1996 to 2001: First Taliban Rule

During the first Taliban rule, women's rights were severely restricted. They were barred from attending school, working, leaving the house without a male chaperone, and speaking publicly, among other limitations.

2001 to August 2021: Taliban Ousted, Progress for Women

After the US-led overthrow of the Taliban in 2001, women's rights gradually improved. They gained de jure equality under the 2004 Constitution. They were allowed to work, study, and participate in public life.

August 2021: The Taliban Returns

However, with the Taliban's return to power in August 2021, women's rights have once again been severely curtailed. Women are banned from working, studying, travelling without a male relative, and entering public spaces like parks and gyms. They are also required to adhere to strict dress codes, such as wearing full-body coverings in public.

Impact on Various Aspects of Life

Education

The Taliban has banned girls from attending secondary schools and universities, and women from studying altogether. This has resulted in a loss of educational opportunities and increased the risk of exploitation and early marriages for girls.

Employment

The Taliban has restricted women's employment opportunities, banning them from working in various sectors, including the UN and NGOs. This has pushed many families deeper into poverty.

Freedom of Movement

Women's freedom of movement is severely restricted, as they are not allowed to move around in public spaces without a male relative and must wear full veils when outside their homes.

Protection from Violence

There is a lack of protection for women and girls facing violence, with support systems built by women's rights activists being dismantled. The Taliban has also released prisoners accused or convicted of gender-based violence.

Marriage

Child and forced marriages are prevalent, with one in three girls being forced into marriage before their 18th birthday. The humanitarian crisis has exacerbated this issue, as parents marry off their young daughters to ensure their survival.

Maternal and Infant Health

Afghanistan has one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally, with an Afghan woman dying during pregnancy or childbirth every two hours, according to UN estimates. The Taliban's ban on the sale of contraception in 2023 further exacerbates this issue.

Political Participation

Women are excluded from political participation, with no female ministers in the new Afghan government. The Taliban has also forbidden women from participating in the judicial system, including as judges, prosecutors, and lawyers.

Efforts for Change

Despite the challenging circumstances, Afghan women continue to fight for their rights and against the Taliban's fundamentalism. Women's rights activists and organisations provide support and safe spaces for women and girls, and advocate for change despite facing serious threats and reprisals.

International Response

The international community has largely condemned the Taliban's restrictions on women's rights. However, recognition of the interim government and efforts to protect women's rights have been limited.

Afghan family structure

Family is the most important aspect of life in Afghanistan. Afghan culture is collectivist, meaning people generally put their family's interests before their own. Family matters are kept strictly private, and community knowledge of a family's struggles can bring shame on the household.

Afghan households are generally large and multi-generational, with adult children often living with their parents or in-laws. In 2010, the average household size was reported to be 7-8 people. Traditionally, this consists of a husband, wife, their unmarried daughters, and their sons and sons' spouses and children. In extended families, three or four generations may live together, including the male head of the family, his wife, his brothers, their sons and their families, cousins, and unmarried and widowed females.

A traditional patriarchal age hierarchy prevails throughout Afghan society, with the eldest male having the most authority and decision-making power, and controlling all family spending. Men are expected to economically support the entire household, which can include parents or in-laws. Brothers and sons are also expected to contribute financially, protect the family honour, and discipline any misbehaviour.

Women are typically in charge of domestic chores, cooking, raising children, and entertaining guests. They are also expected to ensure guests are properly catered to in the most hospitable way the household can afford. The senior woman will be in charge of portioning the family's food supply for the year.

Children are expected to show reverence and deference to their parents and elders. Disobedience is seen as extremely disrespectful and punishable behaviour. However, as people gain adult independence, the expectation of social compliance loosens.

Gender roles are highly patriarchal and rigidly defined in Afghan culture. Men are the main income earners, while women are homemakers. It is generally believed that a woman does not need to be financially independent, as her husband or father will support her. Under Islamic inheritance law, females receive half the wealth that their male relatives receive.

While Afghanistan is a multi-ethnic society, with diverse ethnic, linguistic and tribal groups, the government is an Islamic Republic, and Islamic values, concepts and practices inform many social and behavioural norms. Islam is the official religion, and the majority of the population is Muslim.

Marriage is considered an essential component of life in Afghanistan, and all relationships are presumed to lead to marriage. 'Dating' is almost entirely limited to getting to know the person one will most likely marry, and usually occurs in the company of others. It is rare for unmarried couples to be permitted to spend time alone.

Polygamy is legal in Afghanistan, and the country's interpretation of Islamic law allows men to take up to four wives, as long as they can prove they can financially support them all. However, polygamy is less common in modern-day Afghanistan, and most men can't afford to support multiple wives.

The economic burden of polygamy

Afghanistan is an Islamic republic under Sharia Law, which allows for polygyny. Afghan men are permitted to take up to four wives, as per the Quran. However, men must treat all their wives equally, although this regulation is rarely followed.

Polygamy is seen as economically profitable, and it can increase a man's societal influence and wealth. It is more common for wealthy men to marry several wives, as they can afford to support them. In Afghanistan, men are often the primary breadwinners, and they are expected to provide for their wives and children.

• Increased financial burden on men: In Afghanistan, men are generally expected to be the primary breadwinners and providers for their families. With polygamy, the financial burden on men increases as they are expected to support multiple wives and their children. This can lead to economic strain, especially for men who are already struggling financially.
• Limited resources and dilution: Polygamous families have more members, including multiple wives and children. This can result in resource dilution, as a limited budget needs to be stretched to support a larger number of people. This can impact the standard of living and access to resources such as food, education, and healthcare for all family members.
• Impact on childrearing costs: Raising children in polygamous families can be more expensive due to the larger family size. In sub-Saharan Africa, for example, 20.3% of GDP is spent on childrearing in polygamous economies, compared to only 3.5% in monogamous economies. This can have a significant impact on the family's finances and the children's well-being.
• Negative impact on women's economic opportunities: Polygamy is often associated with institutions that curtail women's freedom and economic opportunities. For example, marriages are arranged for very young women, limiting their ability to pursue education or careers. Additionally, the practice of paying a bride price or bride wealth can incentivize families to marry off their daughters early for financial gain.
• Impact on intra-household conflict: Polygamy has the potential to increase conflict within the household, particularly among co-wives. This conflict can create a ripple effect, leading to greater sibling rivalry and stress among children. Intense competition among co-wives can negatively impact the family dynamics and the well-being of all family members.
• Negative impact on economic growth: Enforcing monogamy has been found to increase savings and raise output per person significantly. Polygamy can stunt capital formation and economic growth by diverting resources away from productive investments. The persistence of polygamy in some regions has attracted the attention of economists, who argue that it is a contributing factor to the underdevelopment of those regions.

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