Restraints on Women in Afghanistan Op-Ed
By Kasey Kim
Growing up in a westernized culture, I have always been urged to thrive for greatness. At every turn, I have a guide pushing me to become extraordinary. Even though these counselors are constantly propelling me to push my limits, women are still more or less, looked down upon due to societal barriers. It may be as a simple joke between friends, or a more serious matter. In the U.S and Seoul, women are able to achieve unspeakable goals due to their freedom. However, in Afghanistan, women are denied these basic rights ranging from health and education to being forbidden from going out in public. The Taliban places uncompromising regulations on women, as that of steel chains tying a prisoner to a cold damp wall. It has been this way for a long time, and although women try to stick up for their rights, the Taliban’s punishments are so extreme and even deadly. The pain felt by these women is unfathomable and unforgivable. The Islamic militia contains women by hiding them from seeking education, freely roaming outside, and to make sure that women are kept in their presumed societal roles, the Taliban will commit any act of violence necessary.
As a Korean-American, I have the privilege to receive a quality education, thus, everyone should have the opportunity to obtain similar instruction. Although we are young, I see many of my peers thriving to make something of themselves. My peers and I are able to learn about and look up to some of the greatest heroes. Eleanor Roosevelt, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks all stood up for their rights and it changed the world. Seeing what these women accomplished should show all races that women are Human Rights Watchcapable. If a woman cannot read, write, or even know what is occurring in the world outside of her home, how does Afghanistan expect to prosper? Women should be permitted to work with their peers, including men aside from the mahram. Due to an unwilling regime, women are prohibited from gaining an education. (Human Rights Watch) If it is absolutely vital for the Taliban to keep the separation, then schools should be separated by gender. That is no reason to forbid young girls from going to school.
Growing up I never had to inquire about the possibility of attending school and going to college. In modern society, technology and media consume teenagers; they take for granted the feeling of the sun on their face. If one day the outside world was taken away from me, my life would fall into an endless pit of regrets. I can only imagine not being able to go swimming or walking to the nearest ice-cream shop. However in Afghanistan, women are not allowed to take their daughters for a stroll without a mahram present. Even if they go out in public, they have numerous restrictions that they must worry about. They are forced to have every inch of their body covered. (Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan) Under those restraints, the possibility of achieving anything, even something as simple as flying a kite, is nearly impossible.
Most Afghan women do not dare step over the line to fly a kite with their daughters due to repercussion set by the regime. Listening terrible to stories about abuse and the measures someone will take to keep a woman “in her place” is appalling. Research has shown age, size, personality, or reason does not matter, if one rule is broken the militia will scream, beat, stone, and even kill women and young girls. If a woman is seen with painted nails, her fingers will be cut off. Sources show that women have been stoned to death simply for leaving the house momentarily without a mahram. (U.S. Department of State) The authoritative command makes life in Afghanistan horrendous and dreadful.
Leaving the house to go on an outing should not result in an inhumane punishment. Women should not have to live under such conditions. They should be able to take a walk in peace, with out being accompanied by a male from the family. Also getting an education is a basic right, not something that should be taken away from someone based on his or her gender. Consequences are necessary to keep order in society, however physical and emotional abuse is not needed to get a point across. The Taliban needs to be stopped and controlled. Treating women less than animals does not improve the environment in their country.
Gaining rights for women will be a long and difficult journey in the current environment of Afghanistan, however that is not a reason to hide behind your fears of engaging with other cultures. Looking back on past role models will encourage us to inspire future generations to work towards creating a better environment in Afghanistan.
By Kasey Kim
Growing up in a westernized culture, I have always been urged to thrive for greatness. At every turn, I have a guide pushing me to become extraordinary. Even though these counselors are constantly propelling me to push my limits, women are still more or less, looked down upon due to societal barriers. It may be as a simple joke between friends, or a more serious matter. In the U.S and Seoul, women are able to achieve unspeakable goals due to their freedom. However, in Afghanistan, women are denied these basic rights ranging from health and education to being forbidden from going out in public. The Taliban places uncompromising regulations on women, as that of steel chains tying a prisoner to a cold damp wall. It has been this way for a long time, and although women try to stick up for their rights, the Taliban’s punishments are so extreme and even deadly. The pain felt by these women is unfathomable and unforgivable. The Islamic militia contains women by hiding them from seeking education, freely roaming outside, and to make sure that women are kept in their presumed societal roles, the Taliban will commit any act of violence necessary.
As a Korean-American, I have the privilege to receive a quality education, thus, everyone should have the opportunity to obtain similar instruction. Although we are young, I see many of my peers thriving to make something of themselves. My peers and I are able to learn about and look up to some of the greatest heroes. Eleanor Roosevelt, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks all stood up for their rights and it changed the world. Seeing what these women accomplished should show all races that women are Human Rights Watchcapable. If a woman cannot read, write, or even know what is occurring in the world outside of her home, how does Afghanistan expect to prosper? Women should be permitted to work with their peers, including men aside from the mahram. Due to an unwilling regime, women are prohibited from gaining an education. (Human Rights Watch) If it is absolutely vital for the Taliban to keep the separation, then schools should be separated by gender. That is no reason to forbid young girls from going to school.
Growing up I never had to inquire about the possibility of attending school and going to college. In modern society, technology and media consume teenagers; they take for granted the feeling of the sun on their face. If one day the outside world was taken away from me, my life would fall into an endless pit of regrets. I can only imagine not being able to go swimming or walking to the nearest ice-cream shop. However in Afghanistan, women are not allowed to take their daughters for a stroll without a mahram present. Even if they go out in public, they have numerous restrictions that they must worry about. They are forced to have every inch of their body covered. (Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan) Under those restraints, the possibility of achieving anything, even something as simple as flying a kite, is nearly impossible.
Most Afghan women do not dare step over the line to fly a kite with their daughters due to repercussion set by the regime. Listening terrible to stories about abuse and the measures someone will take to keep a woman “in her place” is appalling. Research has shown age, size, personality, or reason does not matter, if one rule is broken the militia will scream, beat, stone, and even kill women and young girls. If a woman is seen with painted nails, her fingers will be cut off. Sources show that women have been stoned to death simply for leaving the house momentarily without a mahram. (U.S. Department of State) The authoritative command makes life in Afghanistan horrendous and dreadful.
Leaving the house to go on an outing should not result in an inhumane punishment. Women should not have to live under such conditions. They should be able to take a walk in peace, with out being accompanied by a male from the family. Also getting an education is a basic right, not something that should be taken away from someone based on his or her gender. Consequences are necessary to keep order in society, however physical and emotional abuse is not needed to get a point across. The Taliban needs to be stopped and controlled. Treating women less than animals does not improve the environment in their country.
Gaining rights for women will be a long and difficult journey in the current environment of Afghanistan, however that is not a reason to hide behind your fears of engaging with other cultures. Looking back on past role models will encourage us to inspire future generations to work towards creating a better environment in Afghanistan.