What is life like for Afghan Women or Girl Today?
“Just as war is fought on the backs of women, peace rests on women’s well-being and strength, as well as on justice, good governance, and the rule of law.” Jennifer Heath from Land of the Unconquerable.
- Violence affects 82 percent of Afghan women, much of which is domestic abuse.
- 60 and 80 percent of marriages remain forced, with young girls being sold and traded like commodities often as early as age 10.
- 25 percent of Afghan women face sexual violence. Rape brings double shame upon the victim, who is often disowned or even killed by her family because of the irreparable stain on her honor.
- 1.5 million widows in Afghanistan whose average age is thirty five. 50,000 live in Kabul and are often forced to solicit sex or beg in the streets with their children.
- 1% of rural girls attend school, only 1 in 10 Afghan girls finishes high school.
Resources for more information:
Websites:
- http://www.rawa.org/temp/runews/2011/09/17/the-true-nature-of-the-war-in-afghanistan.html#ixzz1YHEYmCzQ
- http://www.womenforwomen.org/global-initiatives-helping-women/help-women-afghanistan.php
- Trust In Education
Articles: afghan-women-fight-back-preserve-shelters
- A Just Peace? The legacy of war for the women of Afghanistan
Books: Land of the Unconquerable. The Lives of Contemporary Afghan Women
Film:
Taking Women’s Rights to the Streets
Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL)
afghan-girls-flogged-for-running-away
Podcasts:
