Women's rights in Afghanistan, a paradox?

Six years after the fall of the Taleban, Afghan women now have a say and a position under the country's constitution, but they are still suffering. I recently read an article on BBC online about six female Members of Parliament in Afghanistan who have been the targets of serious threats.

Thankfully, Afghan women are participating actively in politics. Of the 361 members of parliament today, 91 are women. These politicians have begun speaking up about issues such as forced marriages, honour killings, abortions and rape.
But with these new threats, I wonder if Afghan women will be strong enough to continue exercising their rights.

BBC journalist Soutik Biswas introduces Shukria Barakzai, an MP who has been receiving a letters for three months warning her that she may be targeted by a suicide bomber in the next six months.

The cryptic government letter contains an intelligence warning that Ms Barakzai's life is under threat and she should be careful.

BBC quotes Barakzai saying "That is all that the government does - send a letter by mail once every month saying my life is under threat. There isn't talk of even providing security.”

The article suggests that Barakzai may be targeted in response to the speeches she has delivered against Afghanistan’s warlords in the past, as well as her criticism of Pakistan and support of women’s rights.

According to the BBC report, the state cannot protect women or ensure that they can go about their work safely.

Afghanistan's Independent Human Rights Commission documented over 1,500 cases of atrocities against women last year. Reports range from victims of domestic violence to forced marriage. The commission documented 98 women who had set themselves on fire and over 100 more who tried to commit suicide by consuming poison.

What can be done? Perhaps just bringing awareness to the dangers progressive women face in Afghanistan will create political pressure so that policies in Afghanistan change to better protect these women.

You can read the entire BBC article “Women under siege in Afghanistan” here.

You can also listen to Afghan Member of Parliament Malalai Joya talk about women's rights in the You Tube video below: