The Plight of the Afghan Women

The Plight of the Afghan Women

As the lord created women from earth and water
A new universe was brought into existence

For whatever is here from her presence
From the obvious to the obscure

There wouldn’t have been an Eve without the world
There wouldn’t have been Jesus without Mary

Observe women’s beauty and elegance!
Her skills and capabilities are acknowledged by all

The reverence of Eve and Mary
Known to humankind for all times

Alas that the Afghan women live in profound agony
In hideous condition and heartbreaking melancholy

Living under the tyranny of the wretched
Shackled by the miserable hand of the clergy

Why have you acquired such satanic conduct?
If you yourself part of the human race

How dare you deny and cover the obvious
With your repugnant bread, turban, and machine gun

Listen to the pleas of the deprived and the destitute
Since the best prayer is service to humankind

The right of women is based on belief in the truth
And the words of all scriptures

Go away tyrant and leave us in peace
You are nothing more than the work of the devil

Redeem yourself and follow the road of the truth and salvation!
And heed to the plight of the Afghan women!

'Najia Karim'

International Women's Day

International Women's Day (IWD) is marked on March 8 every year. It is a major day of global celebration for the economic, political and social achievements of women. Women's day has a long history of celebration in Afghanistan. After the fall of Taliban Regime in 2001, women of Afghanistan has seen advancements in different areas such as education, government, politics, sports and many more. However, due to being a male dominated country, women in Afghanistan are still oppressed and not let raise their voices.
Like past years; this year Women's Day was celebrated in Afghanistan. Karim Khalili, vice president called for severe punishment of those who are violent to women. He called the act of violence against wormen "un-islamic" . According to Women Affairs ministry, the violence doubled against wormen compared to previous year. Last year, a total of 35 cases of self-immolation and 30 suicidal were registered. Based on reports of the Afghanistan's Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) in 2009, 119 cases of self-immolation and 23 suicides were registered with the organization. In 2008 the numbers of the self immolation cases rose to 84 and the suicides to 33, the reports have said. The officials concerned believe the reasons of such cases are beatings, forced marriages and other forms of violence against women.