Spring Break
Afghanistan women's shelters shine ray of hope across globe
Joce DeWitt
Issue date: 3/12/09 Section: Forum
A student at OSU can't go a day without hearing how women are treated differently than men in every aspect of society: in the media, classrooms, relationships, at the workplace. I suppose it's rightfully so, since we're being geared up for the real world. Women may not always receive equality and fairness, but at least we are in a country where we have an opportunity to fight for it.
But take a look at Kabul, the largest city in Afghanistan and home to 3 million people. This city is 3,000 years old and a part of a patriarchal society, where men enjoy the best parts of their civilization: an amazing history, rich customs and abundant resources.
Unfortunately, women enjoy almost none of those.
In Kabul, it is common for girls to be married off by 16. In many cases, girls are sold off by their fathers for a bride price of thousands of dollars, sometimes as young as eight.
After marrying, the girl typically loses all ties with her own family, and is most likely treated very poorly by her spouse and his family. If she is unable to bear children, she faces even harsher treatment.
Such is an Afghan woman's life. They are forced to please their husbands in every possible way and live a colorless, dejected existence.
Talk about gender inequality.
Suicide and death for women are not uncommon for Afghan citizens. According to a recent New York Times article, many women resort to suicide.
The only other option for women willing to take drastic measures is to escape, which can be considered suicide in itself. Since the beginning of Afghanistan's history, women who try to escape from their harsh married lives are caught by police and either thrown in jail or returned to their husbands, where the cycle repeats.
However, this aspect of society has begun to change. In 2001, after the Taliban was overthrown, a new constitution was passed and there has been a more liberal approach toward women's rights. A new Ministry of Women's Affairs has been created, as well as a developing community of women's advocates. Things are beginning to look up.
But take a look at Kabul, the largest city in Afghanistan and home to 3 million people. This city is 3,000 years old and a part of a patriarchal society, where men enjoy the best parts of their civilization: an amazing history, rich customs and abundant resources.
Unfortunately, women enjoy almost none of those.
In Kabul, it is common for girls to be married off by 16. In many cases, girls are sold off by their fathers for a bride price of thousands of dollars, sometimes as young as eight.
After marrying, the girl typically loses all ties with her own family, and is most likely treated very poorly by her spouse and his family. If she is unable to bear children, she faces even harsher treatment.
Such is an Afghan woman's life. They are forced to please their husbands in every possible way and live a colorless, dejected existence.
Talk about gender inequality.
Suicide and death for women are not uncommon for Afghan citizens. According to a recent New York Times article, many women resort to suicide.
The only other option for women willing to take drastic measures is to escape, which can be considered suicide in itself. Since the beginning of Afghanistan's history, women who try to escape from their harsh married lives are caught by police and either thrown in jail or returned to their husbands, where the cycle repeats.
However, this aspect of society has begun to change. In 2001, after the Taliban was overthrown, a new constitution was passed and there has been a more liberal approach toward women's rights. A new Ministry of Women's Affairs has been created, as well as a developing community of women's advocates. Things are beginning to look up.
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