Stephanie Marcelino
Ethnic Studies-Final
Afghan Women Under The Taliban
Questions:
1)How are Afghan women treated under the Taliban?
2) How are they affected by these rules placed upon them? What are the consequences of going against these set rules?
Light. Something most Afghan women do not see. Trapped under the burqua, a long full head and body covering dress, these women live their lives. But what kind of life do they have? Harsh rules placed upon these women when the Taliban took over have taken away freedoms we take for granted. There are many things that Afghan women cannot due which include; they cannot wear make-up, let even the smallest piece of skin show, laugh in the pressence of men or in public, wear shoes that make noise when they walk, leave their home without a male relative, go to school or work, buy anything and the windows of their homes must be painted black. Here in this infinite darkness they live. Not only this but women cannot listen to music, watch T.V. or receive medical care from a male doctor. Because women can no longer work it is almost immpossible for a women to receive medical care of any kind and as a result many are dying from easily treatable illnesses.
The punishments of disobeying any of these laws is harsh and inhumane. For example, if a finger of a women is uncovered it is choped off. If a woman is caught out with a man other than a relative and is single she is publicly beaten with a cane, if she is married she is stoned to death. Women are raped daily and because a woman's testimony means nothing to a man there is nothing she can do about it. Even the slightest accusation from another man about a woman and the woman will be killed or tortured.
Many wonder what happens to a woman who has no male relatives. The answer, she starves to death or is killed. Because she has no male relative she cannot leave the house which means she cannot buy food. Unless another family is willing to supply her she will starve and die along with any children she may have.
What other effects do women face. It has been reported that the suicide rate among Afgan Women has significantly risen over the past couple of years. women can no longer exist under these harsh rules and the only way out is death. Also, more and more women are suffering from severe depression and other mental illnesses. These once intelligent and sucessful businesswomen, doctors, lawyers and teachers have had everything taken from them and cannot handle it, can you blame them?
Something must be done soon to help these women. It is and unjust an inhumane way to make anyone live. The taliban must be destroyed and the chains must be broken for these women.
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