Unveiling Gender Identity Expression In Afghanistan's Complex Cultural Landscape

Afghanistan has a long history of deep-rooted patriarchal values, which have created strict gender roles that have changed little over time. Women's rights in Afghanistan have fluctuated depending on the time period and regime in power. After King Amanullah Khan's attempts to modernise the country in the 1920s, women gained equality under the 1964 Constitution. However, these rights were taken away in the 1990s by different temporary rulers such as the mujahideen and the Taliban. During the first Taliban regime, women had very little freedom, particularly in terms of civil liberties.

In Afghanistan, men are entrusted with safeguarding their family's honour, which is often expressed through exerting control over female family members. Afghan men are perceived as masculine when they protect and provide for their female dependents. Patriarchal tribal customs override religious texts, particularly in relation to education. Many Afghan women are illiterate, as their only source of education is from men about Islamic ideologies and religious texts. Men may manipulate or distort Islamic ideologies to control and suppress the lives of women. These ideologies then shape laws pertaining to women, such as land ownership, divorce and the right to deny a marriage proposal.

In recent years, there have been efforts to redefine masculinity in Afghanistan and teach young men tolerance, peaceful masculinity, and basic conflict resolution and peacebuilding skills. However, the Taliban's return to power in 2021 has resulted in severe restrictions on women's rights and freedoms once again.

The Taliban's impact on gender identity expression

Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021, they have imposed laws and policies that have severely restricted the rights of women and girls. The Taliban's treatment of women has been described as "gender apartheid", with the group enforcing their rules through intimidation and inspections.

Education

The Taliban have banned girls from attending secondary schools and universities, with female students being turned away at gunpoint. The Taliban have also banned women from working in most sectors outside of health and education.

Employment

The Taliban have barred women from working in most sectors outside of health and education. They have also banned Afghan women from working for national and international NGOs.

Freedom of Movement

The Taliban have barred women from travelling more than 70km without a close male relative. They have also mandated that women wear face coverings in public that reveal only their eyes.

Public Spaces

The Taliban have banned women from entering public parks and gyms. They have also ordered the closure of beauty salons, most of which were run by women.

Gender-Based Violence

The Taliban's restrictions have led to a significant increase in spousal and intra-family violence against women and girls.

Legal Protections

The Taliban's lack of a clear and predictable legal system has contributed to the perpetuation of violence against women and a lack of accountability for perpetrators.

Mental Health

The Taliban's restrictions are having a significant impact on the mental health of women and girls, with widespread reports of depression and suicide, particularly among adolescent girls who are prevented from pursuing an education.

The role of Islam in shaping gender identity

Afghanistan is a country with a long history of deep-rooted patriarchal values, which have created strict gender roles that have changed little over time. The country's gender identity is largely shaped by its adherence to Islam, with the religion's scriptures, traditions, and jurisprudence influencing gender roles and expectations. Here is an exploration of the role of Islam in shaping gender identity in Afghanistan:

Islamic Scriptures and Gender Equality

The Quran, the holy book of Islam, states that both men and women are spiritually equal: "Those who do good, whether male or female, and have faith will enter Paradise and will never be wronged". This notion of equality, however, has not always been reflected in laws and practices within Muslim-majority countries, including Afghanistan. While the Quran does not specify gender roles, Islamic practices and cultural traditions do influence the expected roles of men and women.

Gender Roles in Islam

In Islam, men and women are generally viewed as having complementary roles, with men as providers and protectors, and women as obedient wives and mothers. According to the Hadith Sahih Bukhari, a man is expected to be the "guardian of his family," while a woman is expected to be the "guardian of her husband's home and his children." This dynamic often translates into societal expectations, where women are confined to domestic roles and men are expected to be the breadwinners. However, it is important to note that Islamic scholars emphasize that women are not obligated to serve their husbands or perform housework.

Influence of Cultural Traditions

Cultural traditions and local interpretations of Islamic texts play a significant role in shaping gender identity in Afghanistan. In some cases, conservative cultural norms override religious teachings. For example, while Islam emphasizes education, patriarchal tribal customs in Afghanistan often hinder women's access to education, resulting in high illiteracy rates among women. Additionally, men may manipulate or distort Islamic ideologies to control and suppress women's rights, further complicating gender relations.

Impact of Extremist Groups

The presence of extremist groups, such as the Taliban, has also significantly influenced gender identity in Afghanistan. The Taliban, with their strict interpretation of Islam, have imposed severe restrictions on women's rights, including access to education, employment, and freedom of movement. Their policies have contributed to the perception of women as inferior and in need of protection, further entrenching patriarchal values.

Gender Diversity and Islam

It is important to note that Islam, at its core, acknowledges and accepts sexual and gender diversity. While same-sex sexuality and gender diversity may be prohibited or discouraged by some interpretations of Islam, it is often cultural influences that shape these attitudes. Additionally, religious rulings (fatwah) on these issues can vary, and there are instances where gender reassignment surgeries are permitted within an Islamic framework.

Islam plays a significant role in shaping gender identity in Afghanistan. However, it is essential to recognize that Islam is often interpreted and applied through a cultural lens, which can lead to contradictions between religious teachings and local practices. While there are conservative interpretations that contribute to gender inequality, a more inclusive and progressive understanding of Islam is also possible, as evidenced by the country's history of feminist movements and the existence of progressive Islamic scholars.

The influence of cultural norms and traditions

Afghanistan is a country with a rich cultural heritage and a long history of deep-rooted patriarchal values. The culture of Afghanistan is heavily influenced by Islam, with nearly all Afghans following Islamic traditions and celebrating the same holidays. The country's culture is also strongly tied to Turko-Persian and Indo-Persian cultures, which are reflected in its language, cuisine, and classical music.

Afghanistan is a patriarchal society, with well-defined gender roles. Men are typically the breadwinners and are expected to be disciplinarians and providers. They are entrusted with safeguarding their family's honour and often exert control over female family members. Women, on the other hand, are generally responsible for household duties and are expected to be submissive and obedient to male authority figures.

The concept of "honour" is crucial in Afghan culture and plays a significant role in shaping gender relations and expectations. Honour is associated with a person's reputation, prestige, and worth, as well as those of their family and community. Preserving honour is of utmost importance, and any perceived dishonourable behaviour can bring shame upon the individual and their family.

Afghan culture places a strong emphasis on hospitality. Guests are treated with the utmost respect and are offered the best the family has. It is customary to share meals with guests, and it is considered rude to refuse food or drinks offered by the host.

Family is the most important unit in Afghan culture. Marriage is considered an obligation, and divorce is rare and stigmatised. Arranged marriages are common, with factors such as tribe, status, and wealth playing a significant role in the selection of a spouse. Polygamy is allowed but not commonly practised.

Gender norms and traditions in Afghanistan have a significant impact on the lives of women and girls. Women often face restrictions on their freedom of movement, education, employment, and participation in public life. They are expected to dress modestly and conservatively, covering their entire body with loose-fitting clothing and a headscarf. In some areas, women are required to have a male guardian when leaving the house or travelling long distances.

The practice of "purdah", or seclusion, is still prevalent in some parts of Afghanistan. It involves the separation of men and women in public spaces and restrictions on interactions between the sexes outside of acceptable male guardians. This practice limits women's access to education, employment, and other opportunities.

Despite these challenges, Afghan women have made significant strides in recent years. They have fought for their rights and demanded equal opportunities in education, employment, and political participation. With the support of international organisations and women's rights activists, Afghan women continue to challenge traditional gender norms and strive for a more inclusive and equitable society.

The impact of gender inequality on health outcomes

Afghanistan has a long history of deep-rooted patriarchal values, which have created strict gender roles that have changed little over time. The country's gender inequality has had a significant impact on the health outcomes of both men and women. Here are some ways in which gender inequality affects health outcomes:

Limited Access to Healthcare and Information:

Gender inequality in Afghanistan often results in women having restricted access to healthcare services and information. This is due to various factors such as limited mobility, lack of decision-making power, and cultural norms that discourage women from seeking medical help. This lack of access contributes to higher rates of maternal mortality, reproductive health issues, and other health problems among women.

Gender-Based Violence:

Violence against women is a pervasive issue in Afghanistan, with 90% of women reporting at least one form of domestic violence. This violence includes physical, psychological, and sexual abuse, often perpetrated by family members or husbands. The consequences of this violence can lead to both short-term and long-term health issues, including mental health disorders, physical injuries, and sexually transmitted infections.

Reproductive Health and Family Planning:

Gender inequality in Afghanistan often results in women having limited control over their reproductive health and family planning decisions. Early and forced marriages, as well as a lack of access to modern contraception, contribute to high rates of adolescent pregnancy and maternal mortality. Additionally, cultural norms that prioritize childbearing can lead to excessive and unplanned pregnancies, further compromising women's health.

Mental Health:

The restrictive gender norms and limited opportunities for women in Afghanistan can have a significant impact on their mental health. Women may experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders at higher rates compared to men due to their limited autonomy, exposure to violence, and lack of social support.

Health Risks Associated with Gender Roles:

The traditional gender roles in Afghanistan can also impact health outcomes. For example, women who are confined to their homes and engaged primarily in domestic work may have limited access to fresh air, physical activity, and social interaction, potentially impacting their physical and mental well-being. On the other hand, men who are pressured to conform to masculine ideals of risk-taking and stoicism may be less likely to seek preventive healthcare or address health concerns promptly.

Impact on Overall Well-being:

Gender inequality in Afghanistan affects not only physical health but also the overall well-being of individuals. Women who are denied education and economic opportunities may experience lower self-esteem, a sense of powerlessness, and limited access to resources necessary for a healthy and fulfilling life. This can have long-term implications for their overall health and life satisfaction.

Addressing gender inequality in Afghanistan is crucial not only for promoting gender equality but also for improving the health and well-being of both women and men in the country. It requires a multifaceted approach that challenges patriarchal norms, ensures equal access to education and healthcare, eradicates gender-based violence, and empowers women to make decisions about their lives and bodies.

The practice of Bacha Posh, or dressing as a boy

In Afghanistan, the practice of Bacha Posh, or dressing as a boy, is a tradition in which families without sons will pick a daughter to live and behave as a boy. This custom is documented at least a century ago, but it is likely to be much older. It may have started with women disguising themselves as men to fight or to be protected during wartime.

The custom of Bacha Posh is believed to stem from a preference for sons in Afghan society. In Afghanistan, there is societal pressure for families to have a son to carry on the family name and inherit the father's property. In the absence of a son, families may dress one of their daughters as a male, with some adhering to the belief that having a Bacha Posh will make it more likely for a mother to give birth to a son in a subsequent pregnancy.

Girls chosen to be Bacha Posh are usually more boisterous and self-assured. They cut their hair short, wear traditional Afghan male clothing, and take on a male name. As a result, their status in the family and wider society is elevated, and they are no longer expected to perform tasks typically reserved for girls, such as housework and cooking. Instead, they can play outside with other boys, attend school, run errands, move freely in public, escort their sisters in places where they would otherwise need a male companion, play sports, and find work.

The girls' status as a Bacha Posh usually ends when they enter puberty. At this point, they are expected to revert to traditional girls' gender roles and become wives and mothers, whether they want to or not. The transition back to living as a girl is not always easy, and many women who have gone through the process say they feel it was both empowering and smothering.

The true problem, according to activists, is not the practice itself but women's rights in Afghan society. Despite the risks and challenges, the practice of Bacha Posh provides girls with a temporary chance at freedom in a heavily patriarchal and male-dominated society.

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