The struggle for women’s rights in Afghanistan is often perceived as a conference hall debate, with educated women speaking out against oppression at international meetings and signing reports on human rights organizations’ websites. However, this narrative overlooks the silent back alleys where rural women toil daily under harsh conditions.
Rural Afghan women are caught in an oppressive system that perpetuates traditional values, without being recognized as such by policymakers or media outlets. They face forced marriages, domestic violence, and restricted access to education and economic opportunities, all while living in a country dominated by tribal systems that view them as property rather than individuals.
The lack of effective governance has led to widespread corruption and weak laws protecting women’s rights. Even when progressive governments have ruled, reforms have rarely extended to rural areas. As Marxist theorist Antonio Gramsci explains, the absence of a sustainable cultural hegemony prevents social reform from reaching the depths of society.
Despite these challenges, there are alternative ways to reach rural women with awareness and support. Mobile phones offer a significant opportunity to raise awareness about legal rights, combat violence, and economic methods. Clandestine schools and informal education systems can also be revived to educate girls. Supporting small businesses run by rural women, such as carpet weaving and handicrafts, connecting them to foreign markets can provide economic independence.
Empowering rural Afghan women requires more than just awareness-raising; it demands tangible support. Documenting their narratives and creating networks between elite women and indigenous women can transfer experience and knowledge. By recognizing the historical chains of subordination that bind these women, we can begin to break free from the shackles of oppression. The Taliban may have closed borders, but they cannot cage consciousness.
Source: https://harici.com.tr/en/on-the-eve-of-women-intl-day-rural-and-project-women-the-two-separate-worlds