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Transforming Governance and Empowering Women

A global perspective on Afghanistan

Published : Saturday, 23 November, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 2189
Rumana Rashid Rumi and Farhana Naznin
In the ongoing series Transforming Governance and Empowering Women: A Global Perspective, women's policy experts Rumana Rashid Rumi and Farhana Naznin delve into the evolving dynamics of women's rights in Islamic societies. Through their in-depth analysis, they highlight the struggles and triumphs of women as they navigate cultural taboos and fight for equality in a rapidly changing world. Their analysis offers insights and suggestions for how the forthcoming U.S. administration and the West can navigate women's issues within the context of Islamization in the Middle East and beyond.

Afghanistan's journey toward women's empowerment has been deeply influenced by political upheavals, cultural traditions, and international interventions. This complex narrative highlights the need for governance systems that are inclusive, culturally sensitive, and rooted in local realities. The challenges faced by Afghan women offer critical insights into how policies can either advance or hinder their rights.

Historically, Afghanistan has witnessed bold governance reforms aimed at modernizing society and improving women's status. In the 1920s, Amanullah Khan sought to abolish bride prices and promote girls' education. While progressive, these reforms were implemented swiftly and without the consent of tribal leaders and rural communities. This top-down approach was perceived as an attack on Afghan traditions, sparking significant backlash and forcing many of these reforms to be rolled back. Similarly, the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan in the 1970s pushed for modernization and gender equality but faced resistance due to its coercive methods. These episodes underscore the risks of imposing rapid changes without local buy-in, often resulting in a regression of women's rights rather than progress.

The resilience of Afghan women amid these challenges has been remarkable. Practices like wearing the burqa, often framed in the West as symbols of oppression, also serve pragmatic purposes within Afghan society. They reflect adherence to social norms and offer financial benefits, as modest clothing aligns with societal expectations and reduces the need for costly alternative attire. This adaptability demonstrates Afghan women's agency and strategic responses to societal constraints, challenging stereotypes that portray them as passive victims.

Cultural and historical critiques, such as those offered by Palestinian-American anthropologist Lila Abu-Lughod, provide a nuanced perspective on the global discourse surrounding Afghan women. In her work Do Muslim Women Need Saving?, Abu-Lughod critiques the Western tendency to view Muslim women, particularly Afghan women, as helpless victims in need of liberation. She argues that this narrative often stems from a sense of cultural superiority rather than genuine solidarity. Drawing parallels with colonial-era practices, she notes how Western powers have historically used the "woman question" to justify intervention, such as the French unveiling of Muslim women in Algeria as part of their "civilizing mission."

Abu-Lughod emphasizes the problematic nature of "saving" women, suggesting that it often overlooks the broader political and historical forces shaping their circumstances. She advocates for a more empathetic and humble approach that respects cultural differences and prioritizes local voices over external saviors. This perspective is particularly relevant in Afghanistan, where international interventions have sometimes imposed Western-centric models that failed to resonate with local communities.

The Trump administration's policies regarding women's empowerment also provide a lens through which to examine the global fight for gender equality. Despite a record increase in the number of women in Congress during Donald Trump's presidency, gender disparities remained significant. Social challenges, such as sexism and stereotypical attitudes, continued to hinder women in leadership roles. Notable incidents involving female representatives like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rashida Tlaib underscored the patriarchal view of leadership as inherently masculine.

The administration's judicial appointments and stances on reproductive rights were seen by many as restricting women's autonomy, further highlighting systemic barriers to gender equality. Additionally, the lack of specific initiatives to address wage gaps or provide financial support for female candidates reflected broader challenges in achieving gender parity in U.S. politics. These policies, analyzed through the lens of postcolonial feminist theory, align with critiques of how political systems perpetuate systemic inequalities while limiting women's representation and agency.

Education remains a cornerstone of empowerment for Afghan women. Despite the setbacks of the past, investing in girls' education has transformative potential, breaking cycles of poverty and enabling women to contribute meaningfully to society. However, such efforts must be accompanied by community engagement and cultural sensitivity to address resistance and ensure sustainability.

Abu-Lughod's critique of Western interventions offers valuable guidance for supporting Afghan women. She calls for solidarity that respects diverse definitions of empowerment, acknowledging that Afghan women's paths to justice may differ from Western ideals. This approach rejects the notion of salvation and advocates for alliances and coalitions that work within cultural contexts to advance gender equality.

Afghanistan's history, marked by its women's resilience, underscores the importance of locally rooted, inclusive governance. Efforts to empower Afghan women must prioritize their agency and independence, building on grassroots initiatives that bridge divides between traditional norms and progressive reforms. As global movements for gender equality continue to evolve, Afghanistan's story serves as a reminder that true empowerment is achieved through participatory, culturally informed, and transformative strategies.

By centering Afghan women as active agents of change and respecting the complexities of their cultural realities, the international community can support sustainable progress. This approach, grounded in humility and mutual respect, offers a pathway toward a more equitable and just world. Afghan women's unwavering strength amid decades of shifting political landscapes remains a testament to their commitment to claiming their rights and shaping their future.

Rumana Rashid Rumi is Women policy expert and Farhana Naznin Flora , is  In - charge of foreign and feature (Women's Own) of The Daily Observer


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