International Women’s Day celebrates the achievements of women around the world, regardless of their nationality, politics, economic status or ethnicity. Though the United Nations officially recognized it in 1977, its roots are found within the rising labor movement of the early 20th century. Women throughout the world, who made up a large part of the garment industry, rose up to protest against their working conditions, which were deplorable.

Today, most women throughout the world enjoy rights and privileges their ancestors only dreamed of: the right to vote, inherit property, embark on careers, and enjoy independence in its many forms.

It’s important to say, “most.” For there are women who suffer from oppression still, in today’s world.

Take, for example, Afghan women. After the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021, women’s and girls’ rights have evaporated into nothingness. Women are completely banned from education beyond the sixth grade. They can no longer work in public and private businesses, including non-governmental organizations. Nor can they participate in sports. Women cannot enjoy visiting a park, even if accompanied by a mahram, or male relative. They are allowed to travel or go to hospitals, but only if accompanied by a mahram. The de facto Taliban government claims that this is for the protection of women, as mandated by the teachings of the Qur’an.

Islamic law, whose origins date back to the seventh century CE/AD, is respected and followed by Muslims and Islamic governments across the globe. These laws are sourced from the Qur’an and the Sunnah, which is the example and behavior Prophet Mohammed PBUH set during his lifetime. Sharia, an Arabic word meaning “way” or “path”, is a code of living that Muslims should adhere to, including prayers, giving to the poor, and fasting, among other things. It’s meant to guide Muslims to new answers, and to evolve over time. Although Islamic law and Sharia law are sometimes used interchangeably, they are quite different. Sharia denotes the ideal of God’s law and as such is considered perfect, while Islamic law involves different human interpretations of God’s law and so may be fallible.

According to the Qur’an, women have many rights, including the right to be educated, the ability to inherit, and to work and operate businesses. They are not to be owned, controlled or abused. Yet these rights aren’t recognized by the current regime in Afghanistan. Instead, rights have become a luxury that women can no longer access. The de facto government has taken upon itself their own translation of Sharia law to erase what most Muslim women the world over enjoy: meaningful participation in society and most semblances of independence.

The Qur’an also states that men and women have equal rights and responsibilities, but they might not be identical. Men and women are different physiologically and psychologically, but what is expected of them is the same. Therefore, “equity” would be a more apt description of Islamic gender relations. The Prophet Mohammed PBUH made it clear that each has responsibilities in their own right, but both men and women are expected to be educated, maintain their households, engage in society, contribute to the economy and share the same social status. The Prophet Mohammed PBUH performed household chores, while his wife, Khadija Bint Khuwaylid, was a very successful businesswoman.

On this International Women’s Day, Women for Afghan Women strongly asserts that Afghan women and girls deserve more than their current fate. They should not be subjected to harsh interpretations of Islamic and Sharia law – a law that clearly protects their inclusion and equity. Help us continue the campaign to restore inclusion to half of the Afghan population, and to return the rights Afghan women and girls are entitled to have.

Blog written by Gretchen Weerheim, Women for Afghan Women
Photo provided by WAW staff