Women rights defined in civil war

When women are used and sold as slaves, it was huge thing until the slavery ended. The conflict usually impacts more on women even not being in the front line. Women suffer for child bearing and provide for the family as the men fight in the war.

The role of women in any war is as critical as it is for men. Most Afghan women are worriers who suffer the loss of loved one, and they have to be a “woman”, a mother and if they work outside, they have to wear the professional outfit and smile.

I see the resilience of Afghan women in every side of the war. Many of these women who are internally displaced suffer from lack of access to clean water, hygiene and other basic needs, yet they have to be a “woman”.

Living under the Taliban, I felt the heavy burden of staying home, lack of access to education, and working outside. Those years that the Taliban ruled the country, I noticed how they lack any value or respect to women. Many of these Taliban with the mentality have not changed any ideology and how to treat women.

Political developments in Afghanistan may cause a turbulence for women from all walks of life including teacher, doctors, journalists, judges and all professional women who work outside the house. 

The continuing violence made women suffer even more. The latest bombing of girl’s school in Kabul even it was motivated ethnically, doesn’t justify the fact that young girls were targeted.

The loss of innocent and young lives is a heart-breaking message for mother, and for those who support girls education.

The world is watching Afghanistan and they want Afghans to decide for their future and protect women from any kind of unnecessary suffering. However, the Afghan on their part should unite to fight back for saving the gains of past two decades if it is for women rights, or any part of the society.

I don’t see Taliban willing to negotiate and reach a peace deal, however, the Afghan forces are stronger comparing to twenty years ago. They can provide security for critical infrastructure and stop the government from falling in the hands of the Taliban. I think if “only” Afghans support “Afghans” there is a solution for never-ending war. It is not about women, it is not about education, it is about the fact people are tired of the war and they wish to live in peace and stability instead of dying on the way to Europe.