KABUL: In a recent ceremony introducing the new governor for Badakhshan, the Acting Minister of Vice and Virtue Mohammad Khalid Hanafi made a bold assertion, saying that the rights of women under the Taliban government in Afghanistan have not been repressed.
However, the statement challenges the prevailing narrative from the international community, which accuses the Taliban regime in Afghanistan of violating women’s rights.
Hanafi argues that the world should first examine its own record on women’s rights before casting judgment.
Hanafi began his remarks by pointing out a compelling paradox. He questioned the international community’s moral authority to critique the Taliban government while many nations themselves struggle with safeguarding women’s rights.
He emphasized that within the framework of Islamic law, individuals must honour the rights of their sisters, particularly regarding inheritance. Those who don’t give heritage to their sisters, sisters can complain about them. From Badakhshan to Kandahar, no one has the right to loot the heritage of their sisters, he stressed.
Furthermore, Hanafi turned his attention to France, a country that has championed secularism and education. He pointed out the ban on the abaya, a traditional Muslim garment, and how it restricts Muslim women from attending universities.
Hanafi questioned why the international community remains largely silent in the face of such restrictions: France is always talking about education. When Muslim women wear hijab there, they are not being allowed to attend the university. Why is the international community not raising its voice?
Complex nature of women rights debate in Afghanistan
While Hanafi’s words might seem provocative, they shed light on the complex nature of the women’s rights debate in Afghanistan. It’s crucial to understand that there are different perspectives within the interim government, with some officials strictly opposing any interference from former government members.
Simultaneously, voices from within Badakhshan, particularly women, have called on the Taliban regime to facilitate female access to education within the boundaries of Islamic law. Lalmah Hasrat, a resident of Badakhshan, voiced a common sentiment: It is not enough for women to only have the right to choose their husband and take heritage; we call on the government to allow women to be educated and work.
This plea underscores the importance of finding a balance between adhering to Islamic principles and providing opportunities for women to lead meaningful lives, including access to education and employment. It is evident that girls and women have faced restrictions in education and employment since the Islamic Emirate assumed power. However, the situation is nuanced, and differing viewpoints exist within the Afghan government and society.
