Profiles in Courage: Women in Afghanistan
Photo Caption and Credit: “Afghanistan Matters from Brunssum, Netherlands” (Wikipedia)
The U.S. Department of State's annual International Women of Courage (IWOC) Award honors women who have "demonstrated exceptional courage and leadership" when advocating for democracy, justice, and human rights. At the ceremony in March, seven women from Afghanistan,* who were killed in 2020, were recognized posthumously. Who is killing women in Afghanistan? Will the U.S. and NATO's exit impact women and girls? How can we help?
“Every woman should cover their eyes.”
The New York Times spoke to Afghan women about the future of their country once U.S. and NATO forces withdraw later this year. Should the Taliban gain power, the future seems bleak for women. Farzana Ahmadi told the New York Times that her neighbor was flogged because her face was not covered. “Every woman should cover their eyes,” one Taliban member said as people watched, afraid to assist. Of the seven Afghan IWOC honorees, one assassination was claimed by the Taliban. Fatima Rajabi, a young police officer, was on her way home in July 2020 when the Taliban captured and executed her.
Chronic violence against women.
While the Taliban intentionally undermines the civil rights of women and girls, they are not the only problem. For example, to date, the Taliban has not claimed the murders of the other six IWOC award recipients, who were all targeted and killed by either explosive devices planted on their cars or unknown gunmen. The Afghan Women's Network told the Guardian that violence against women starts at home and spills into the rest of society. According to Human Rights Watch, roughly 87% of Afghan women experience violence. To combat the prevalence of domestic violence, the Afghan Women's Network is leading a movement called Talk for Harmony.
U.S. investments and investigations.
The U.S. has invested more than $780 million to promote gender equality in Afghanistan. Reverting back to Taliban-era (1996-2001) policies would be detrimental for women's access to education and employment. Under Taliban rule, women and girls were largely banned from school and the workforce. Now, women and girls comprise almost 40% of all students. Women have been able to join the military, hold political office, and participate in athletics. While there are positive developments due to U.S. engagement, the International Criminal Court is investigating alleged war crimes that include sexual assaults reportedly perpetrated by U.S. forces.
*The seven Afghan women recognized posthumously at the 2021 IWOC virtual ceremony were Fatima Natasha Khalil, Fatima Rajabi, Freshta (no last name provided), Freshta Kohistani, Malalai Maiwand, Maryam Noorzad, and Sharmila Frough.
There are incredible initiatives led by Afghan women. Brookings analyzed data about U.S. sentiments on military withdrawal from Afghanistan and found that the majority of Americans appear to be ambivalent. But, as the BBC's Ask America panel revealed, people with strong, opposing opinions care about what will happen to women and girls in Afghanistan. Here are organizations you can support through donations and by amplifying their work:
1) The Afghan Women's Network is a coalition of women's organizations dedicated to creating a more equitable society. They partner with other nonprofits Girl Friday has previously highlighted, such as Save the Children and Women for Women International.
2) The U.S.-Afghan Women’s Council is a public-private partnership that supports Afghan women and girls' education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and leadership. Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush, and Rula Ghani are honorary co-chairs.
3) The Afghan Women's Mission is an all-volunteer group based in the United States. Founded in January 2000, they support the humanitarian and political work of the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan (RAWA).
4) Women for Afghan Women is a grassroots organization, with more than 1,000 staff members, that advocates for women’s rights and helps women and girls across Afghanistan and the United States who have faced human rights violations.