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Women Economic Independence in Afghanistan
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In the Name of Allah
Part One
Introduction
Introduction and
Report summary
Research on economic
independence of women in Afghanistan is the title of
report that you have at your hands. In this report,
we have tried to consider the role of women in
economy and women independence in benefiting from
economic resources.
In general, in afghan traditional society women are
called as consumers. Families, especially the poor
ones are counted their daughters as the family
economic burden and they are given in marriage in
early age, but sons are considered economic power
and food suppliers and hence better feeding
opportunities are provided to them. The number of
boys attending schools is much more than girls,
because it is thought that the attending schools by
girls will not bring income to the family and
contrary to it if boys make successes in acquiring
knowledge and skill they can economically help
family. If the choice regarding attending school by
boys and girls is to be made in family, preference
is usually given to boys.
Based on the prevailing perception, women not only
play any role in the family economy, but are
considered as consumers. Moreover, it is also common
that as the men are alimony providers, therefore,
they are entitled to take decisions in family. Men
can decide what is to be done and what is not.
Although women traditionally organize daily expenses
of family, but in reality they don’t have key role
in taking main household decisions.
Many women working outside don’t have power in
decisions making as to the ways of expending their
income. On the other side, the role and economic
value of unemployed women are not recognized. In
order to discharge their basic needs, these women
always ask several times their husbands, fathers and
brothers for money.
The report on Economic Independence of Women in
Afghanistan is prepared on the basis of
abovementioned arguments and its objective is to
shed light on the women key role in the society
economy and the importance of economic independence
of women for the elimination of violence against
them. The report proves that women are not only
economic burden but in contrary play more important
role comparing to the role that men plays in family
economy. Moreover, the report has tried to identify
and outline the successful experience of women in
the economic life and high light the different role
played by women in improving economy of the family
and society.
By undertaking this research, Women and Children
Legal Research Foundation (WCLRF) has reached
important results which will open ways for
identifying and submitting constructive
recommendations .We hope that the publication and
dissemination of this report will contribute to the
perspective of improvement the economic role of
women, enhancement of women awareness on the role of
economy towards protection of their fundamental
rights and the promotion of families’ and society
awareness on women economic role.
Research methods
The information and
data needed for this report are collected through
questionnaires and interviews. Questionnaires and
interviews are designed and prepared with due
attentions by the responsible researchers of the
project and are implied after being tested during
pilot stage in practice.
This research has been carried out through the
following stages:
A-Stage of
interviewers’ recruitment
Taking into account the
sensitivity of the topic, number of people being
familiar with different areas of our research was
recruited as interviewers. In order to realize the
research importance, acquire knowledge and skill of
information collection and filling in the
questionnaires, interviewers received proper
training after which, they were sent to the assigned
areas to identify the cases and complete information
in the relevant locations.
B-Stage of
information collection
For the purpose
information collection on specified issues
questionnaires were designed and after the pilot
stage were revised for second time. With the use of
these questionnaires, maximum needed information was
collected.
To prepare wider ground for information collection,
questionnaires contained two kinds of questions open
and closed (see Samples of Questionnaires in annex
No.1)
C-Analysis and
consideration of information
Collected information
was analyzed carefully and main findings were
identified on the bases of which draft report was
prepared.
Data community (
of surveyed areas)
Data community of
research is consisting of all individuals through
which the results of research are to be generalized.
As this research is conducted on economic
independence of women, therefore the data community
for this research constitutes all afghan women.
But as the opportunities in terms of time and place
were not completely available for us, the method of
sampling based on the geographical division was
applied for information collection.
In sampling, the locations were divided on the bases
of geographical coverage each localities are
presented by one province. The surveyed provinces
are as follow:
1.
Herat
2.
Miadan
3.
Kabul and its
environs
4.
Balkh
5.
Juzjan
6.
Parwan
7.
Badakhshan
8.
Kandahar
9.
Nangrahar
As the sampling of the research is done from among
different ethnicities and geographical areas,
therefore, we can claim that the result of this
research can be generalized countrywide in
Afghanistan. (See. Map of surveyed localities in
Annex No.3)
Principles and
rule
In general, during
research it is tried to follow a set of accepted
principles and rules to ensure the standard of
results and the method of research:
1.
Efforts were
made to get original, first hand and strict
information
2.
Collection of
information and analyzing of information in no case
reflect the researcher’s points of view.
3.
The research is
exonerated of all kind of discrimination
4.
Security of the
interviewees was of the preferences
5.
Identity secrecy
of the victims and interviewee was kept into
account.
Research
difficulties
It is obvious that any
kind of social research has its own difficulties.
But research on such topics as economic independence
of women has specific difficulties. There are a
small number of women exercising these rights in our
country. As a whole, during research the following
difficulties were faced which slow down the course
of information collection:
1.
Absence of
interest of families for giving interviews
2.
Absence of
enough security in some areas.
Number of
interviewee
In this research 2890
persons were interviewed as follow:
1.
Ordinary people
1350
2.
Women working
outside in the official offices 450
3.
unemployed rural
women having no official job 450
4.
working women
without payment 450
5.
Business
women 100
6.
Religious
scholars
90
Part Two
General concepts of women
economic independence
1-
What is economy?
Economy is a sum of
structures and relations which facilitate the
distribution and allocation of financial and
material resources and bring together individuals
and groups through utilizing and exchanging of
resources including goods, services and money.
Economy which study responding to needs like
shelters, food and health contains samples through
which the income and wealth is distributed, payment
are arranged and organized.
2-
Definitions of economy:
1.
Family
management
2.
Confined
activities carries out by one person and family for
provision of opportunities
3.
The way by which
we spend our time; our share in the accomplishment
of this work and that of what is the value of our
time and share
4.
Good
administration and management of world and people
5.
The method of
encountering with money and the arrangement of money
exchange
6.
The system
enables us to share and use the resources.
It is still accepted that the abovementioned
definitions are the manner and perception of more
people from economy. Based on the popular perception
that the term of economy is directly related with
the word of money, therefore any kind of
transactions without money is not fallen under this
definition of economy. It means that much activity
performed by women without money income, are not of
economic value. It also means that as men are making
more money, they have the responsibility and control
of economy and consequently it is accepted that they
should take all decisions in terms of economy.
On our opinion, economy belongs to all people
wherever they live in the world. We believe that
every one of us is entitled in making use of natural
resources and opportunities. As such, we play our
role in the world which belongs to all of us. For
this purpose, we all have rights to get informed
about economic activities. Also we all have rights
to express our opinions in this regard and take
participation in the economic life of country.
For continuation of life and livelihood, human being
need for food, clothes and shelter. As the means of
life are not given ready and already prepared, hence
people have to work for discharging their life
needs.
So, the science studying material needs provision in
society, is called economics. Economics concerns two
basic phenomena of endless but increasing needs on
one hand, and limited but decreasing resources on
the other hand. Consequently, economics is a science
of utilizing of limited opportunities for
satisfaction of wide range of human needs.
Pal Sam Olson, a famous economist says:” that
economics is the study of selection of suitable ways
assisting people and society in production of rare
resources that can be used for different purposes;
production of different goods and their distribution
among individuals and social groups for use at
present and future.
Economics undertakes analysis of the producer’s
approaches regarding the selection of different
production factors and studies the determination of
their prices in the market. In order to satisfy
consumers’ demand, producers try to manufacture the
needed goods and to supply the market with them.
It is well known that our country overcame prolonged
years of war and destruction. There is urgent need
for rehabilitation and reconstruction which require
the work and efforts of each and every one in
country. Reconstruction of the country affects the
modality and way of life of every afghan including
men and women.
Life of the people of Afghanistan has been damaged
and affected badly as a result of war. The status of
health, shelter and education required serious
attention, especially for afghan women. To ensure
the growth and development of country and to improve
social ad economic conditions, Afghanistan needs
urgent assistance and attention of international
community.
Majority of Afghans are living in unbearable and
difficult conditions. The heavy burden of such
disastrous and misfortune is on the women shoulders.
Although, the civil and political rights of women
are recognized in the constitution, the thinking
ways of part of the people belonged to the old and
backward conditions in society, is the barrier in
the realization of rights of all women in country.
The experience of last several years shows that in
spite of turning of women to the field of economic
activities and their active participation in
economic and social affaires, the basic role of
women in economy is still seen doubtful and
uncertain and as a result the economic independence
of women is treated as uncommon and un realistic
business in many part of the country.
2-
What does
economy means for women?
Millions of women all
over the world are facing violence and deprivation
in the field of access to their basic rights
including receiving inheritance, property and their
utilization. Such kinds of violation are usually
discriminatory and in some cases even deadly affect
the women status. Most of the women after being
deprived of the right to inheritance and property
are encountering with poverty and economic inability
and are struggling to provide their basic family
need.
Marlene Wiring is a lecturer, writer and a
consultant in the field of development in Canada.
Although Mrs. Marlene is recognized as an inspiring
specialist for people especially for those women who
are feeling that the existing economic system made
many lives exception, but unfortunately, her
thoughts never affects seriously the Canadian
economic policies.
Marlene says: “when the economy covers only the
activities involving the financial transactions,
productive and nonproductive labor of many women are
not taken into consideration and are left out of the
attention. Baby delivery, performing maternal
function, cleaning up of the house, preparation of
the meals for the family members, milking cows,
animal husbandry, guests care, all these are not
counting as part of the economical assets and never
open way for itself in the labor systems of
countries. In other words, due to the accepted
traditional perception of the economy, the labor of
about half of the society is not considered and
fully ignored.”
At the same time, Marlene criticizes the traditional
and marginal economy because she thinks it is
impossible to attach value to the society safely and
easily within this framework.
If we look into the economic position of women in
Afghanistan it become clear that although women have
key role in the economic development in Afghanistan,
but their role is never taken into consideration nor
recognized
3-
What is the
purpose of economic independence of women?
Concretely speaking,
the purpose of economic independence of women is to
enable women in accessing to economic possibilities
as well as independence in the use of their income.
As such, women will have capacity of making economic
resources, in other words, capacity of obtaining of
economic income will be of decisive role in
expenditure.
Importance of economic independence of women in this
regard, is concerned not only its economic aspect
but also our stand in this regard that the women
having economic independence will have more suitable
position in benefiting from the human rights than
those ones deprived of this kind of rights. They are
also in the better position as to the decision
making in family and less subjected to violence.
When they face violence and oppression, they are in
the better protective position.
Session Three
Sources for maintaining
women economy
In Islamic Shari a, domestic
law and international principles
Before we review the findings of research in
general, it would be useful to have a look into the
supplying sources of women economy in Islam and in
the enacted laws of Afghanistan. This topic will
enable us in understanding of the existing rights
and privileges in these two sources in regard with
women economy and also show that there are clear
provisions in Islam regarding equal rights between
men and women. This applies to the economic rights
of women as well.
During the coming three topics, the main sources and
fundamental rights of women from Islamic point of
view and on the basis of civil laws of Afghanistan
are discussed. In addition, we are going to shed
lights on the stipulated economic rights of women in
the international principles and standards relating
to the protection of women economic rights, to which
Afghanistan is a signatory party:
1- Economic rights
of women in Islam
For the securing women
economy, Islam has put sources at women disposal, by
using of which they can be entitled in complete
exercising of their financial independence. Thus,
these sources are considered as below:
A-Employment of
women in Islam
Sharia (Islamic
religious laws) texts in addition to the history of
Islam, proves the fact that employment of women is
recognized as permitted act. In such a manner, women
were busy by livestock, trade, agriculture and
public services in Mohammad (PBUH) time. Mohammad (PBUH)
had chosen his wife from among the women running
commercial affairs. For this reason, to state that
Shariai is basically against women employment and in
favor of women house staying, cannot be compatible
with Mohammadian Sunna (traditions) and Islamic
Sharia. In this connection, some narrations and
Hadiths (record of saying and customs of Prophet
Mohammad (PBUH) are reoffered to as testimony which
are subject to reconsideration from rational an
historical point of view. One of such Hadith says:”
Women are advised to stay at home and undertake
weaving, because it is the best occupation for
them.”
or another Hadith in this connection being reoffered
to says:” endless merits are for those women being
busy at home.”
B-Inheritance
Contrary to the time of
ignorance, Islamic Sharia considers women eligible
for inheritance clarifies and explains inheritance
rights in different cases according to the degree
and relationship. The inheritance is one of the main
economic sources not only for women but for all
Muslims as a whole and is arranged in a particular
set of norms and principles. Here, we are mentioning
the main circumstances of holly Quran about
inheritance rights of women wit its deference.
Inheritance right
of Daughter
Translation:” God
(thus) direct you as regards your Children’s
(inheritance); to that of two females, if only
daughters, two or more, their share are two-thirds
of the inheritance; if only one, her share is a
half.”
Inheritance right of
Sister
Translation:” If the
man or women whose inheritance is in question, has
left neither ascendants nor descendents, but has
left a brother or sister, each one of the two gets a
sixth; but if ore than two, they share in a third;…”
Inheritance right of
Mother
Translation:” For
parents, a sixth share of the inheritance to each,
if the divorced left children; if no children and
the parents are the only hairs, the mother has a
third”.
Inheritance
right of Wife
Translation:
“In what ye leave, their share3 is a fourth, if ye
leave no child; but if ye leave a child, they get an
eight.”
C-Right to dower
For the purpose of
economic supplies of women after marriage, the right
to dower is foreseen in Islam. This right covers the
property or sum of money which is directly related
to women. In receiving and access to its
utilization, there are special instructions.
It is written in Quran in this regard:
Translation - “And give the women (on mirage) their
dowers as a free gift…”
The dower is offering on the following conditions:
1.
The dower must
belong to woman herself, none else including parents
is not allowed to its ownership
2.
The dower is to
be given by husband to wife with honor, respect and
sincerity.
D-Alimony
Ensuring of budget of
material expenses after marriage, from the Islamic
point of view is the responsibility of man. Alimony
includes food, clothes, accommodation and other
necessary needs. Man is obliged for its preparation
and woman has no obligation and responsibility in
discharging the family life expenses even though she
has her own property and possessions and the man is
destitute of it. The holly Quran says in this
regard: Translation-“Divorced
mothers shall nurse their infants two full years, if
the father so wishes. The father shall provide the
mother's food and clothing equitably.
Also, if woman wish to pay for
the family expenses from her own property, it
depends on her own will and intention. If a woman
possesses property, it belongs to her; her husband
has no right on its ownership. Thus man has no right
to exploit a woman and compelled her working outside
and possesses her work income.
2- Economic rights
of women in the laws of Afghanistan
As Afghanistan is an
Islamic state and its laws are influenced by the
Islamic system; regarding economic rights of women,
the civil laws of Afghanistan stipulate the same
provisions mentioned in wholly Quran and determine
its limits.
But in addition to Constitution of Afghanistan and
other legal documents that Afghanistan has worked
out during the last several years, also outline the
general framework securing the access of women to
economy. We mention only these provisions and
article here:
Civil Laws of
Afghanistan
Inheritance:
Article 2001
of Civil Laws
stipulates:
“Causes of inheritance are marriage or blood
relationship.”
Two things became the causes of inheritance; one is
marriage another relationship which we pointed out
the clauses explaining the inheritance share of
women.
Article 2007
(1)
For the husband,
when without children, or male offspring, even
though it be descendants further down, half the
matrimony is given; and when children, or male
children exist, even though of descending order, the
husband receive one fourth of the patrimony.
(2)
Wife, even
though conditionally divorced, when the husband dies
prior to the expiration o the divorce period, or
wives, when lacking children, or male offspring even
though of descending order, shall receive one fourth
of the
patrimony, and in case children or male offspring, even
though of descending order, exist shall be entitled
to one eight of the patrimony.
(3)
When a person
divorces his wife while suffering from fatal
diseases, the divorcee is entitled to wife share
provided she did not consent to the divorce, and the
husband died before the expiration of the divorce
period (three months).
Article 2008
Daughters in accordance
with the provision of article 2008 of this law shall
be entitled to inheritance as follows:
(1)
One daughter
shall be entitled to half of the patrimony; two or
more shall be entitled to two thirds,
(2)
Daughters of
son, when there is no daughter; no daughter of son
of ascend ding order, shall be entitled to
inheritance prescribed in above section. Daughters
of son, one or more, in case of existence of
daughters; daughter or daughter of son of ascending
order, are entitled to one of the patrimony.
Article 2009
Sisters in accordance
with the provisions of articles 2009 and 2020 of
this law shall be entitled to inheritance as
follows:
(1)
One sister
receive half and two or more shall receive two
thirds of the patrimony,
(2)
In case of
non-existence of sister, half sisters the father
side shall rive the portion prescribed in the above
mention section, and in case one sister does exist,
she receive one sixth of the patrimony, regardless
of the fact there is one or more half sister on the
father side.
Article 2010
Mother when having
children, or son’s children even though in
descending order, or while two or more brothers or
sisters, or half brothers or sisters on the part of
father or the mother, is entitled to one sixth of
patrimony, and in other circumstances is entitled to
one third of the whole f the patrimony except when
gets together with one of the spouses and the father
in which case she will be entitled to the remaining
one-third of the patrimony after the portion of
husband that the wife is given.
Grandmother refers to the mother of one of the
parents that of the grandfather in ascending order.
Grandmother, be one or more, shall be entitled to
one sixth of the patrimony, and share it equally.
A-Daughter portion
in inheritance
According to article
2008 Civil Laws
inheritance share of daughter is as if a deceased
leaves a daughter , she receives half of patrimony,
if two or more than two are left, they receive two
third of patrimony. Also if a deceased leaves a
daughter or grandchild daughter or more than that on
the son part, all heirs are entitled to two third of
patrimony in order that daughter receive four sixth
and two sixth belong to grand child or
grandchildren.
B- Sister portion in
inheritance
Sister
portion in inheritance is specified in article 2009
of Civil Laws
as follows: if a sister is left from a deceased, she
is entitled to two third of patrimony provided she
has no child. In addition to that, if the deceased
has no sister father sister (paternal aunt) receives
the same portion of patrimony as that of his sister.
If the deceased has sister, then his father sister
receives one sixth of the patrimony.
C-Mother portion in
inheritance
Article
2010 contains the followings in this regard
:
Mother I the existence of children or grand child on
the son part, or in the case having two or more
brothers or sisters, is entitled to one sixth of
patrimony, otherwise is entitle to two third of all
patrimony with the exception if the husband or
father is alive, in such case the remaining one
third of patrimony is to be given to her if the
portion of the husband is already given to him.
(2) Grand mother is referring to mother of one of
the parents. Even though the relationship is in
ascending order, and the grandmother be one or more,
the patrimony share is one six which is to be
divided equally among them.
Dower
Dower is a quantity of
property or sum of money which a man gives to women
during marriage.
According to article 100:-“property, whose ownership
is transferable, may be determined as dower.”
On this basis, a
husband having no property at his disposal or unable
in its possessing in the future, can not determine
dower of his wife.
The dower is considered the property of woman and
none including husband or his family can posses it.
In this way, article 110 of the law stated as
follows:
“The dower shall be considered the property of wife.
She can exercise any ownership power over her
dower.”
In the same way, father or paternal benefactors of
wife are not allowed to partly or completely make
use of their daughter under any pretext. Article 113
of Civil Laws stipulate in this regard as:
“Father can not give partly or completely his
daughter dower as gift.”
In addition to it, no one can compel by force wife
to denote her dower to husband.
Regarding it, article 114 of Civil Laws says:
“The wife can not be forced place all or part of her
dower at the disposal of husband or any other
person.”
Alimony
In the legal system of
Afghanistan, securing of family expenses is the
responsibility of husband. Husband is obliged to pay
for wife alimony. Of course, in case of having
children, he also provides their expenses. According
to article 117 of Civil Laws:
“With the conclusion of a true and binding
marriage it become for the husband to alimony to his
wife even though she might live in the residence of
her relatives…”
Also, article 118 of the Laws determines the size of
the alimony in the following way:
“The wife alimony includes food, clothes,
residence and proper health care as per the ability
of husband.” For this reason the wife shall not
ask alimony more than the ability of her husband.
If the husband does not pay for the wife alimony,
she can take further steps as per Article 119, which
say:
“In the case husband refrain from paying alimony
or his shortcoming in this regard be proved, the
authorized court shall compel the husband in
securing of alimony.” As such, the wife can
apply to the relevant court so that the husband
fulfills his obligation in this connection.
More than that, even in abnormal situation the
husband should pay for the wife alimony. If the
alimony is not paid for a certain period, the
husband is considered indebted to his wife and she
can ask for the indebted alimony in any time.
According to article 120:
“Imprisonment of husband shall not discharge his
responsibility to provide alimony to the wife though
he may not afford it”
In order the wife does not face difficulties, even
in case of divorce the Civil Laws predict provisions
which not discharge husband for wife alimony.
Article 126 of this law explains that:
“Divorcee is entitled to alimony from date of
divorce to the end of the divorce period (three
months or until the infant is born, if she is
pregnant.”
According to the Shari’a provisions, after
the passage of divorce period, a woman can marry
another man; as such the new husband is responsible
for her alimony so that she not remain in troubles.
3- Economic rights
of women in international proceedings
Afghanistan as a member
of United Nations has certain commitments for the
implementation of provisions based on documents and
agreements in ensuring of human rights. These
proceedings recognize women rights in some cases in
general and in other cases explain economic rights
of women in particular and also determine the
obligations of state parties in this regard. Here we
mention the main of them.
Universal
Declaration of Human Rights
Article 22: “Everyone,
as a member of society, has the right to social
security and is entitled to realization, through
national effort and international cooperation and
accordance with organization and resources of each
state.”
International
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
Each State Party to the
present Covenant detracts to respect and to ensure
to all individuals within its territory and subject
to its jurisdiction – the rights recognized in this
Covenant, without distinction of any kind, such as
race, color, sex, languages, religion, political or
other opinion, national or social origin, property,
birth or other status.”
International
Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
The States Parties to
the present Covenant undertake to ensure the equal
rights of men and women to the enjoyment of all
economic, social and cultural rights set forth in
the present Covenant.”
International
Convention of Elimination of all form of
Discrimination against Women
Article 3:” State
Parties shall take in all fields, in particular in
the political, social, economic and cultural fields,
all appropriate measures, including legislation to
ensure the full development and advancement of
women, for the purpose of guaranteeing them the
exercise and enjoyment of human rights and
fundamental freedoms on a basis of equality with
men.”
London agreement
about Afghanistan
“With the assistance of
international community, the government of
Afghanistan will promote high level and continuous
economic development to decrease hunger, poverty and
unemployment. The government enhances the role and
potential capability of private sector parallel to
governmental, nongovernmental unbeneficial ones,
controls the drug industries, ensure economic
stability, rehabilitates and enhance the human,
social and physical resources of the country so that
to lay down a sound basis for new generation of
leaders and qualified professionals, strengthen
civil society and complete settlement of returnees,
internally displaced people and former combatants.
Public investment of national strategy of
development is based on six elements of economic and
social development:
1.
Infrastructure
and natural sources
2.
Education
3.
Health
4.
Agriculture and
rural development
5.
Social security
6.
Economic
sovereignty and private sector development.
In each one of these field, the aim is to reach
achievements in ensuring balanced economic
development to decrease poverty, increase employment
and formation of private establishments, creation of
opportunities in the region and the welfare of all
Afghans.”
Part Four
History of women employment
Study
of women employment history reveals the complex
relationship between work at home and market. In
most countries there was no difference between work
at home and market; the economic production was not
concentrated in factories, offices and other centers
and more people worked in factories or in areas
closed to it. There was no news about the gender
separation as to productive and nonproductive
activities. Although, some occupations were counted
as male and some other female, but all works were
done for the family sustainability. After industrial
revolution in nineteen century, payable labor was
changed from house to factory. Men, women and even
children (at least from worker class) went out for
work. Production and consumption were separated;
productive labor took distance from nonproductive
(housekeeping) .With the passage of time, men were
devoted to the former and women to the last one.
Women were left aside from employment and it was
considered” naturally” for women, especially for
married ones to stay at home and take care of
children .
What caused worries in nineteen century were not the
necessity of women employment, but an appearance of
women worker in general and was confronted with
hostile attitudes. Therefore, worker women,
especially married, mothers were considered as
natural, unmoral and passive parent. At the same
time they were accused implicitly of taking out work
from men. Thus, world was divided into two parts in
terms of labor division, housekeeping and public
field in 1780.
Men were to be engaged in public affairs and politics to
make income and maintain their families. Women being
materially dependent on husbands support were to
stay at home and take care of their husbands and
children.
Although, many of single and even married women of working
class were compelled to work, but by the end of
nineteen century all they have accepted the
principle of house wives status and they did not
expect to get job till the end of lifetime. Married
women believed that their main commitment is family
sustainability and only referred to work when the
maintaining of family required that. According to
the figures in 1851 only 25% of married women had
work and this figure decreased to 10% in 1901. At
the same time, poverty compelled many women to go to
labor market and according to the statistics the
employment of women from 1890-1940 was 10%. 40% of
women worked during married period .
In all likelihood, the data from the census about
the women employment indicates less than the real
percentage in this regard. Another reason is that if
a man had enough income for supporting his wife and
children, he enjoyed better position and possibly
some of them were not interested in registration of
their wives occupation in the census forms. Anyhow,
the women participation in labor market was
considerable because many single women worked and in
some years of nine century their number constituted
1/4 of all women. In 1871, totally 31% of women had
10 years employment record. And in 1931 this
balance for women over 14 years reached 34%.
With the end of nineteen
century discrimination in women labor, confined them
within the limited field of inferior and low income
occupation. Many of women left work after marriage.
Employed women comparing with men, were younger. Men
Trade Unions, prevented women from working in areas
with high level income and struggled for getting
family wages for men i.e. wages for supporting
unemployed wife and children. Women even did not
receive the equal wages for the similar work with
men. For example, the equal payment for men and
women teachers was not implemented till 1962. The
government also had a role in creation of
discrimination in employment and in preference of
men for this occupation. Limitation laws have been
adopted for so called support of women also put them
aside from some occupations; working hours were
stricter and determined a specified period for women
work. Men usually considered employed especially
married women as threat to their employment as the
alimony providers of family and argued as far as the
income labor number is limited and that if women
also start to work, some families’ would remained
without income.
It was also thought that women generally caused
decrease in wages, because they accept working for
low payment than that of men. Therefore, it was
concluded that women should be kept aside of income
work or confined them to the inferior occupations
with lowest payment. The Trade Unions were under
men’s’ control and supported their wages and status
and women were prevented from joining Trade Unions
and frightened to do so. In any case, the Trade
Unions also were not interested to speak for women
interests. It must be mentioned that although these
laws had been adopted for the support of women, they
also defended men’s interests in competition with
women on the equal basis for ensuring the equal
participation in employment. Regarding it, their
struggle for the access to education and getting
permeation of engagement in medical profession can
be mentioned as an example. On the other side, women
formed their own Trade Unions and begun working and
struggling against improper working conditions.
Gradually, men and governmental Trade Unions
succeeded in creating of separated labor market and
with the end of nineteen century the principle of
family life had been commonly accepted among the men
and women.
In spite the fact that many women worked during
First World War, they had accepted that the end of
war should give working priority to men. Many
employers, of them governmental banks had put in
practice the rules of prohibition of marriage
according to which women in case of marriage were to
leave the work. These rules about married women have
been observed till the time of adoption of
educational Laws in 1944. The number of employed
women, especially married increased after World War
Two.
Official employment
history of women in Afghanistan
Official employment
history of women in our country is very young and
has come through ups and downs. The women employment
history takes start from the Amir Amanullh Khan
government. It has to be pointed out that with the
assistance of his wife; Amir Amanullah Khan prepared
educational pre-conditions and possibilities for
women;
built schools for women in 1928 and started special
publication under the title of “ Arshade
Naswan”(Women guidance). It published very
interesting and readable materials for the women
awareness.”
The formation of “Anjamane
Hemayae Naswan”(Women support Association) guided by
12 educated women and other are all indication of
women activities in this century.”
Number of employed
women and men in Afghanistan
The number of employed women in
governmental offices comparing with men number was
very little. In the below table their number is
indicated in percentage. It must be mentioned that
this information is taken from the Central
Statistics Office Yearbook and only the figures are
indicated in it and there is no indication about
other variables regarding the age and education.
|
KIND OF
EMPLOYMENT |
NUMBER OF
EMPLOYED MEN |
NUBER OF
EMPOYED WOMEN |
|
Governmental Officials |
75% |
25% |
|
Service Personnel |
89.23% |
10.77% |
|
Teachers |
73% |
27% |
Part five
Research findings
This part indicates the main findings of the report. These
findings as was mentioned before, is the result of
interviews, studies and considerations which can be
summarized as below:
1- Kind of economic
activities of women
In this report, we
tried first of all to prepare a list of economic
activities women are busy by. It is clear that the
forms and kind of women activities in cities and in
rural are not the same and differ from each other;
even though their responsibilities before families
placed them in the similar position with men, but
taking into consideration living conditions and the
opportunities, they have different occupations.
Women are working in rural areas and cities in and
outside home.
Household work
Household arrangement
by women is the field of activities which is based
on labor division and acquired gender stamp since
prolonged years. As the men take responsibility for
outside affairs, women are responsible for the
in-house affair and that men expect women engagement
at home. Such gender inequality leads the husband
posses their wives productive forces. In the
prepared report, about 85% of women mentioned that
they are working more then 12 hours, while other 15%
said they are working more than 14 hours a day.
This indicates that women are spending much time in
household affairs and they have less time for
resting and amusement.
But much difficulty is arises from it for women.
First of all, they don’t have income and their work
is hidden from the public vision; secondly, such
perception is appeared in their thoughts that they
are created for household work; thirdly, they count
themselves relying on men support and as such the
way of thinking about outside working and self
sufficiency are vanished with them.
Work in Governmental
and nongovernmental offices
Taking into account the
present political situation, more women are engaged
in economic and social activities than before. Women
employment in governmental and nongovernmental
offices plays important role in the family
organization, improvement of community economic
conditions in general. On the basis of available
figures the women activities in this field from
quantitative point of views has second place
comparing with other sectors. In other words, women
in Afghanistan are usually busy in private sector
and in the second place in governmental affairs.
The income size earned by this category of women is
very significant for their families because in
addition to their wages expend in their families,
they have to expend their extra time in household
affairs. Usually these women work eight hours
outside and should allocate extra 6 hours to
domestic affairs.
So that our research
prove this statement, with the exception of
teachers, about more than 80% of employed women work
8 hours in official offices and at the same
percentage they should allocate from 4-6 hours extra
to take care of domestic affairs.
Work in Private
industries
In the field of private
work, women with whom interviews have been
conducted, belong to the below mentioned
occupations:
-
Tailor
-
Carpet weaving
-
Handicrafts
-
Farmer
-
Cattle breeder
-
Hair-dressing
-
Bakery
-
Other occupations
The diagram shows that the highest figures are given
to women farmer, the second place is occupied by
cattle breeders and the third position is for carpet
weavers. In other words, more women are engaged in
agriculture, cattle breeder and carpet weaving,
while their small number is bust by bakery and hair
dressing.
Work in the field of
business
Contrary to the
perception that trade is male occupation,
fortunately today more number of women turns to
trade in Afghanistan. The work of this group of
women was disarranged before, while now with the
establishment of Counsel of Women Traders its work
acquired certain coordination.
This counsel
has been established by the initiatives of several
business women with the assistance of UNIFEM in
October 2003. It could organize several workshops
for the enhancement of women capacity building in
trade. Moreover, the counsel also rendered
assistance to the number of private women employers.
Accordingly these women need more resources and
opportunities for their capacity building.
Nevertheless, they succeeded in changing of women
economic role from marginal position. In interviews
have been conducted with these women, it was said
that they are in need of running business with good
income and more working hours. Besides, they should
travel to different areas in and outside the
country.
The main difficulties this group face, first of all
are financial, because for beginning of successful
business there is need for investment and more money
to which majority of women have no access.
For 27% of business women the interviews have been
taken from, the financial decisions in trade issues
are taken by men and they alone don’t have the
rights to take decisions in this regard.
In general, all women busy by trade and have been
interviewed for the report said, they need for
capacity building; they need for example planning,
familiarization with business knowledge etc for
which they don’t have enough possibilities at their
disposal.
67% of women traders consider self-sufficiency as
the reason for their engagement in business.
32% of them think their families helped in this
regard, while 35% were discouraged by their families
in running business.
Moreover, it must be said that the trade is more
likely a city business and women in villages and
rural areas don’t have access to it.
2-Barriers and
difficulties
Women both inside and
outside home are facing difficulties during working.
But it is clear these difficulties more women
confronted with are outside home. One of the
greatest problem that keep women far from working
environment and duty continuation is the absence of
institutions and centers for taking care and
attention of their children. This problem turned
into crisis for women living in villages and rural
areas and for those who are the responsible person
for taking care of their children. The absence of
such centers forced women in many cases to leave
their jobs. Regarding it, 38% of women have been
interviewed for this report, said that the reason of
not working is the absence of opportunities for
taking care of their children.
Unpleasant customs and traditions are other factors
disturbing women in working environment. Many women
wishing to work outside home should convince and
explain their families for getting their permission
for working outside home. It is mandatory for women
to abide by time limits and not spend more time in
working place than the officially determined working
hours, because it is against the customs being
outside of home for long time.
Domestic responsibility of which was mentioned
before, also are creating enough difficulties. A
woman returning from job should address all
expectations towards her: should take care of
children, prepare meals, and wash clothes, welcome
guests. All these responsibilities caused fatigue of
women and not allow them to have rest. Continuous
tiredness and work prevent women to take care of
needed measures for their capacity building. As a
result the outcome and quality of their work become
lower than that of men and give up the first hand
presence in working environment. The below mentioned
several examples in this connection are brought to
your attention:
A lady from Herat:
“Five years ago, graduated from the faculty of
economics started working in one of the governmental
offices. I have four children, but there is no one
to take care of my children. My two youngest
children are in kindergarten and the two other are
in school. When they are going and coming back home,
I am always thinking that something not occurs to
them. So how one can work in such conditions.”
A lady from Kabul:
“After graduation from school, I work in one of
non governmental organization in Kabul. I have two
children, one is nursing and when I sent him to
kindergarten he became sick. In this case, I have to
leave my job or to pay to a wet nurse for taking
care of my child. So, how I can work under such
conditions.”
Thus, the women who are busy in rural areas and
mostly are busy in cattle breeding, agriculture,
carpet weaving and other spheres, are also facing
with many difficulties.
A lady from Juzjan said the following in this
regard:
“During carpet weaving I am giving sleeping pills
to my child so that he does not disturb me in
designing the carpet.”
In the same manner another woman from Kapisia
explained her problem as:
“As I have no one for taking care of my children,
inevitable while going to cultivation field, I am
fastening my child on my back.”
3- Income level
In general the size of
income which woman are getting for recognized
economic activities; is different. Fortunately,
there is no difference in working governmental and
NGOs offices in terms of gender in Afghanistan. But
it deserves attention that because of the
difficulties mentioned before; women are deprived
access to the high level positions which are of more
financial advantages and at the same proportion they
are getting less income than men. For example the
higher number of employed women in cities has the
lower positions as secretary or other subordinate
posts.
A lady from Mazar-e-Sharif gave the explanation in
this regard:
“I had no opportunities for higher education, my
family life and household affaires were the min
obstacles for it. Therefore as our family economic
position was too weak I started working in the
governmental office in the capacity of administrator
with monthly income of 2700 afghani.”
A woman from Kabul:
“I have higher education with good capacities but
cannot work more that the official working hours. I
was suggested several times grade one and two but as
far as working on these positions required more
time, I rejected it although I wanted it.”
However, women in villages despite of all
difficulties they tolerate, mainly have very low
income. Such status from one side is related with
market dullness in rural areas and from the other
side with the women income. As was mentioned
earlier, its reasons are similar to those operating
about women in cities being deprived of access to
the higher level income. These employed women in
addition to their jobs which were mentioned about
above, should take the responsibility of domestic
affairs as well. In such case the main pressure of
the work is imposed upon them because they should be
busy with the household work on one hand, and
perform the job responsibilities on the other.
Regarding it a lady from Kabul said:
“In spite of being
graduated from the faculty, working outside is not
easy for me because I have much work to do at home
as well. Performing at one time two jobs is too
difficult for me. “
Another problem that a number of women have is that
they to perform two works simultaneously that is to
be busy by domestic affairs, cattle breeding,
agriculture and so on to assist men. In one of the
questioner from Parwan we read as below:
“In addition to household affairs, every early
morning I have to go to the cultivation field to
collect and bring fodder for cows and sheep.”
4- Ways of income
expending
Another issue has been
revealed during the preparation of the report is
related to the way of income expenditure. Based on
its importance this issue has in the economic
independence of women this issue would be discussed
separately. Here in short we briefly mention that
the way of income expanding is one of the main
problems for women. In spite of tolerance of all
difficulties and obstacles, they continue working
without having main role in the income expenditure.
5- Role of women
independent economy in the equality of rights
A woman from Kabul:
“I am 27 years old and holding BA. I have three
children, my husband is working in governmental
office…During Taliban regime I did not work and was
to ask my husband for money. When I got sick I could
reach the physician with too much difficulty and
even was not able to go same where, because it
causes expenses for me. Now working in international
NGO I can discharge all my needs and even help
others. I can express my opinions, treat myself and
my children and even go for rest on Friday.”
A woman from Juzjan:
“When I was relaying on my husband support and
did not have money, I had no right at home even I
could not participate in the education of children,
when I wanted to go some where I had to ask several
time for permission. But when my father died and got
inheritance according to his will from brothers the
behavior of all family members changed towards me.
Now I am able to meet my relatives without problems,
or to invite them home, I can take care of my health
.More than that, when my daughter newly reached the
youngster age and my husband wanted to give her in
marriage, I interfered into the matter and said that
she is small and now is not her marriage time.”
A woman from Kandahar:
“I am 25 years old and working in international
NGO. I have three sisters and two brothers. Two my
sisters were jobless and my father gave them in
marriage without their consent but I resist to him
in this regard and said I will marry my desirable
man and am engaged with a young boy whom I like.”
Access to economy as is seen in the above mentioned
examples helps women in their struggle for the
access in ensuring of equal rights. Moreover,
independent access to economy enables women to
invest more for their capacity building; to ensure
their children education. Participation of women as
life partner in the discharging of the expenses of
family puts them in the equal place with men. In
addition, women activities in ensuring of economic
resources, pulls them into more work and social
contacts. It helps, from one side, in the
enhancement of their awareness about women
capacities and on the other side, women presence in
the society will remove the sensitivity against
women public presence taking shape during war time.
Also, women by taking participation in working
environment promote their skills and capacities and
in turn it will ensure qualitative and strong
presence of women in political and social life in
country.
In the same way, in many cases of violence against
women, we see that victims of violence among women
to a large number are those women who are not
enjoying economic independence and that majority of
them as far as are dependent on their husbands
support, they inevitably tolerate all kind of
violence, otherwise there will not be any resources
for life continuation for them. As women in both at
parents’ residence and husband home are mainly
treated as consumers having no necessary economic
capabilities, they would be subjected to violence in
both places. While women being victims at husband
home, the doors of their parents’ home also will
remain closed.
Below, we are referring to some figures and
information about the access of women to human
rights which are presented in comparative way
between women having economic independence and those
having no economic independence and economic
capabilities:
1-
The right to
freedom of expression
Women without Economic Independence Women with
Economic Independence
  
Now, in order to
better clarify the role of economic independence in
the ensuring of rights specially the right to
freedom of expression, it is better to refer to the
opinions of both women categories in this respect:
A: Opinions of women
having economic independence:
A woman from Kabul:
“I am working in one of international NGOs and
receive 20000 afghani. At home, my opinions are
realized about 75 %.”
A woman from Kabul:
“My father was money exchange trader, before
death he gave me inheritance and I bought an estate
for that money. Now, whatever I intend to do at
home, they are realized.”
B: Opinions of women without economic
independence
A woman from Parwan:
“None is listening to me because I have no jobs
and did not get inheritance from father.”
2-
Political Rights
The equal enjoining of
political rights by men and women is stipulated in
laws and conventions especially it is clearly
included in the treaties on women political rights
which in part states as follow:
“Women should take equal participation with men
in all electoral process without any discrimination
and should be granted equal right to voting.”
But the present research indicates that economic
independence of women plays an important role in
ensuring the equal access of women to political
rights with men. Researches showed that those women
enjoying economic independence actively participate
in politics, nominate themselves in elections or
have established political parties. But women
without economic independence don’t nominate
themselves for National Assembly or stop their
political activities.
Because as all know nomination as candidate for the
President post and National Assembly and formation
of political parties require expenditure for
conducting campaign, publication of posters,
interviews, meetings and rallies, distribution of
brochures and other. For this reason, women deprived
of economic independence can’t effectively enjoy
this right while others having economic independence
with good financial resources enjoy this right in
better way by nominating themselves as candidates
for the abovementioned posts.
3-
Right to housing
This right is included
in section 35 article 5 of International Treaty on
elimination of all kind of discrimination against
women. The article explains the equal enjoyment of
this right between men and women.
The available figures indicate that the enjoining
of this right is not of the same level for all
categories of women i.e. women having property like
land, house and estate enjoy economic independence.
The table indicates that the majority of those women
who possesses house are enjoying economic
independence, because it makes them withstanding
against violence and economic pressure and shelter
unavailability.
Furthermore, having residence and shelter is
important in present conditions and is considered as
constant capital form which good profit is expected.
Therefore, the women ownership on this kind of
property is not only positive step but also helps
very much them in enjoining other rights. Based on
the contained information of this report, 7.88% of
women are enjoining this right.
For more clarification of the topic, we are referring to
the quotations with this respect:
A woman from Kabul:
“I am 35 years of age after 5 year continuous
hard work could buy a plot of land from my own money
and constructed a house and as such solved the
housing problem. Now, I am felling that my husband
behavior towards me has been changed completely and
he attaches importance to my opinions and listen to
me not only in family affairs but even in the issues
not relating to me.”
A woman from Badakhshan;
“A lady of 38 years
old got a plot of land as inheritance from father.
She herself explained: having fraternal land I
deserve good position among other brides in the
family.”
4-
Right to
marriage
This right has been
stated in article 16 of the Universal declaration of
Human Rights as follow:
 
“Marriage shall be
entered into only with the free and full consent of
the intending spouses.The family is the natural and
fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to
protection by society and state.”
It is worthy mentioning
that enjoying this right is not equal among all
women. The following tables clarify it. The Table
indicates the level of enjoying this right by
economic independent women.
The Table says that considerable number of girls
enjoying econo ic
independence marry by their consent, while for 29%
of them others’ opinions is mandatory.
Another Table indicates enjoying the
right to marriage by girls
having no economic independence. For more
explanation we are referring
to the quotation of some
women in this regard.
“I am 34 years old and working
in the office of foreign
NGO. I got married
with one of our collegue
who is good person. Although
my family suggested others,
but my consent was the mandatory
condition.
“I am a young girl of 26 years age and working
in governmental office. My parents took decisions
several times to give me in marriage, but I rejected
because I am able to ensure my life needs well. For
this reason, my parent always consults with me in
the decision making. Recently, based on my consent I
was engaged with a man of 35 years age and I am
really feeling lucky.”
“I am woman 30 years old and living outside the country.
In order to get married, I returned to country to
marry a man and I did the same. I paid all
wedding expense from my own account and have good
life today.”
5-
Right to
sanitation
The right of access to medical
services for all is stated in most national and
international laws.
Man and woman are entitled to enjoy this right
without any discrimination. This right is mentioned
in article 25 of Universal Declaration of Human
Rights which says:
“Everyone has the right to a standard of living
adequate for health and well-being of himself and of
his family, including food, clothing, housing and
medical care and necessary social services…”
As the enjoying of this right is closely related to
the health and safety, therefore it is not the same
in all people especially women. Because those women
having economic independence when are sick they
themselves go to a physician and undertake
treatment.
At the same time, women
without economic independence when are sick to go to
the physician for undertaking treatment they have to
be accompanied by a man, and that after several days
of illness.
Also the below table
show how the family treats the sick woman during
illness:
The table indicates
women without economic independence and the family
is taking care of her health, during treatment the
family is ill-treating her and forces her to go to
the physician.
It has to be mentioned
that this matter is closely related with economy and
self-sufficiency, because increase in the prices of
medical services and its provision to public
includes expenses for physician fee, medicine
recipe, hospitalization and so on. Consequently,
women with economic independence comparing to those
without it, have better chance for enjoying this
right.
6-
In-house
economic role of women (work without payment)
1-Work
is what to be done - work is troubles not amusement
and time passing
2-Work is whatever happens between 9:00 in the
morning till 5:00 in the afternoon
3-Work is considered as such when you got payment
for it
4-Work is whatever takes place outside home
The above mentioned is the opinion of people about
work But most of these opinions is not coinciding
with the reality of women life. Their work is not
planed according to schedule during day time and
they are working mostly continuously without break.
At the same time work of men is done during
specified hours and working outside home prepare
ground for them to come into contacts with other
members of society. In many cases, working outside
is accompanied with entertainment. It can’t be said
about women; many women perform many works
simultaneously some of which are very exhausted;
even though some work like playing with children,
gardening and other could be enjoyable but there are
other activities which women have to perform at home
without any payment and enjoyment.
Generally, women work without payment can be
divided into three parts: work at home, care of
children and assist members of family.
 As
far as the material value of the labor of these
women has never been evaluated, therefore during
discussion on economy, men are mostly counted as
main players of economy. For the reason that men are
source of family income, always are treated with
respect and they always have the final say in taking
decisions.
When they are coming home they should rest and women
have to prepare the means of their rest and ease. It
is obvious that the main pressure of economic
resource of family is on the men shoulders in the
afghan society. But women don’t have any role in it?
Does the woman being busy by domestic affairs from
the early morning up to the evening play any role in
the family economy? This report argues that
housewives play much more important role in the
household which in turn plays role in the country
economy.
In addition to it, during the conducted sampling
81.99% of people considered housekeeping work
unprofitable and valueless and only 18.01% said it
is useful for family economy. It is showed in the
following chart.
Here we listed
the main activities of women during a day with the
approximate economic value:
|
No |
Activities |
Time/Hours
In 24 hours |
Economic value
In Afghanis |
|
1 |
Preparation of breakfast |
1 hour a day |
250 Afghani |
|
2 |
Cleaning of house |
2 hours a day |
250 Afghani |
|
3 |
Preparation of lunch |
1 hour a day |
500 Afghani |
|
4 |
Kitchen sink |
30 minutes a day |
250 Afghani |
|
5 |
Taking care of children
|
3 hours a day |
250 Afghani |
|
6 |
Preparation for supper |
1 hour a day |
1000 Afghani |
|
7 |
Clothes washing |
3-4 hours a week |
1000 Afghani |
|
8 |
Ironing |
2-3 hours a day |
300 Afghani |
|
9 |
Purchase of needed fruit |
2 hours a day |
100 Afghani |
|
10 |
Total |
17.30 |
3900 Afghani |
The
above list shows that housewives are working during
all day without break and their work is of economic
value as well. For example if for the household
management a house keeper be recruited, more than
the accepted sum of money is to be paid for domestic
affairs which is saved by the useful and continuous
work of women. It is clear that the household
affairs and housekeeping is a devastated work. But
as the economic value of this work is not taken into
consideration, therefore, housekeeping affairs enjoy
less value.
Furthermore, the above list with the evaluation of
economic value of women work during day at home
shows much is the economic participation of women in
the household affairs.
And so, another issue that the shows is that women
in Afghanistan without taking into consideration
their status as being employed unemployed, afford
accommodation; they have significant role in the
family economy. Those being employed are busy by
performing their duty during working hours at
office, but after returning home they have to
address all family affairs and as such their
economic role is much more than that of men.
What is of importance is that regardless of the
position being employed or unemployed, they never
express tiredness and unwillingness to undertake
housekeeping affair. In spite of obstacles and
damages, work without payment is acceptable for many
women. They argue that engagement in domestic
affairs prepare ground for them directly take
participation in the education of their children and
under such conditions they receive instead praise
from family members which is more satisfactory than
payment in money.
7.
Woman: producer
or consumer
Almost
majority of people in our country count women as
consumers and expenders and believe that the role of
women in economy is too little. Such perception is
continuing even now when the women number joining
profitable occupations is increased. It should be
added that those who think women are consumers, they
mainly emphasize as far as women always are busy by
housekeeping, and therefore, they are consumers. But
our research proves that they are producers,
because:
1-
Majority of
women in villages and rural areas work together with
their family men and have role in production
2-
Considerable
percentage of women in villages and rural areas
directly or indirectly help their family men in
their work
3-
As the
housekeeping work of women has no payment, it is
left from the public vision and its role in the
welfare of family and society is not perceptible. As
our research proves that the domestic work of women
which is kept aside from the public vision, has
important role in the ensuring of family economy.
8-
Our stories
(experience of successful women in business and
economy)
1.
“I am a girl of
19 years age and am busy by carpet weaving in a
village of Juzjan province. I got enough skill in
carpet weaving because my mother helped me and my
father sells the product. Before, there were many
problems as no one bought our carpets at good price
and we got less profit. But now the status of the
product in the market became better and I got
familiar with marketing of the goods and able to
make good income.”
2.
“I am 28 years
old girl, living and have grown up in Kabul. I made
M.A in business. Using my professional knowledge, I
could transfer capital of 50000 afghani into a big
trade and training company.”
3.
“I am 33 years
old woman and living in one of the Kabul city
district. I was interested in business affairs and
my husband being businessman helped me very much.
Before, I had problems for capital but know I
independently manage the work of a Company.”
9-
Negative effects
of economic dependence on women
As the figures indicate
there are a small number of women that have equal
payments or income with men. But in terms of
expending and discharging the needs can not benefit
from it as the men in the family. Such status
directs a set of disaffects to them from different
points some of which we mention here as below:
Only 15.35%inerviewed women for this report said
that their income and men in the family is equal. It
puts the women in the vulnerable position and as
mentioned before, economic insecurity women puts
women in a sensitive place and give up the status of
self-sufficiency. Thus, in the absence access of
economic capabilities of, women for discharging
their needs mostly depend on men. The below
mentioned tells us what difficulties face this group
f woman when removing their needs:
“N” A woman from Kabul:
“I and my husband are working in the same office
because our specialty during study in university was
the same and also getting same salary. But I am
accountable before my husband because I can’t expand
money as he does.”
And a girl from Juzjan:
“My father tasks me and my brother equally and we
have to weave carpet. But I can’t expend as my
brother does while my brother buys new items
everyday.”
But as was mentioned in the beginning, even those
women who have the equal income with men don’t have
the same power in expending and decisions making in
practice
Many women having
material income, said just as soon they get income,
it belongs to men in the family and thus he takes
decisions how to expend the money.
An opinion poll among
1400 people shows that 40% think that a woman should
expend money by the permission of her husband and
for this reason we see that 72% of the interviewed
women by us expend their income by the permission of
husband, father or brother.
A woman from Kabul:
“I am working as a teacher and my monthly income
is about 2700 Afghani. I always work 5 hours a day
and when receive salary I am giving it to my husband
because he has the right of expending. While going
for shopping, I pay attention not to expend too much
because I have to account before my husband.”
A girl from Herat:
“I am working as officer in one of the
governmental offices and my monthly income is about
2500 Afghani. I am working 8 hours a day. When I buy
some thing I am worrying too much because I am
accountable for the expenditure before my brother.”
A woman from Kabul:
“When I go to ask my husband for a part of my
salary , I really fell myself weak because my
husband doesn’t give me money for my expenses and
even while giving he speaks to me unpleasant things
that disappoints me.”
A girl from Badakhshan:
“When I want to buy something for myself, I can’t
dare to ask my father for money. Because my father
asks many questions what I need the money for. But
when my brother asks him for money, he gives money
to him without asking what he needs money for.”
Whereas, during the preparation of this report we
rarely met people accountable for expending money
before their wives.
A man from Kabul:
“I am graduated from Kabul University and my
monthly income is about 15000 Afghani. Up to now, I
even did not allow my wife once to ask me about my
salary or expending.”
Another man from Kabul:
“I work in international NGO and my income is
about 30000 Afghani. After expending, I don’t
consider necessary to account before my wife.”
During the research we have faced with women
whose income is spent by their husband for amusement
and rest and as such their wife and children remain
without material resources for discharging their
needs. We interviewed women who weave carpet for
long hours and even the time that they have to spent
with their children they gave it to earn income, but
in the return their income is spent by their
addicted husbands.
Here, we bring to your attention the most shocking story
from a woman:
“I am 35 years old and 15 years from marriage. I
have four children and working in governmental
office. Economic status of our family was below
normal level. For matching of these problems we were
in need of some amount of money to invest on a small
business and improve our financial situation. By
consultation with each other, I started working in a
short term project with an NGO. The project was for
six months and the payment I receive on this account
was enough for such a investment. Based on our
decision, I gave money to my husband to use them for
the agreed program. So he went to one of the
frontier provinces for purchasing of some items. He
returned after four months together with his new
wife. The money I have given to him, were spent for
her new marriage. Now he is living with his second
wife and don’t pay attention to me and my children
and I am trying to ensure the life of my children by
the assistance of a small salary I have.”
10- Causes of women
economic inequality in Afghanistan
Based on findings of
this report, the lack of women economic independence
is derived from different factors, the main of which
are mentioned below:
1-As men are traditionally recognized as
head of household in our society, therefore, factor
of economic independence questions women position
from different view points. The existing customs and
traditions in society and our families not easily
provide permission and conditions of outside working
for women.
This is clearly shown in the below chart:
The chart shows that
58% of women consider that the main reason of not
working is the lack of permission from their
families while only 26% of women said that the
insecurity problem and 16% of them think
difficulties related to the protection and care of
their children are the reason of not working.
In the absence of
opportunities of outside working, the possibilities
of getting payment and access to the economic
resources become restricted for women. Consequently,
women undertook other activities like needle work,
tailoring, dairy and other which required more time
and energy with less income from economic point of
view. As a result, women are placed in more weak
position in terms of economy.
A restriction of opportunities in access
of girls to higher and vocational education is one
of the main reasons of their weak economic
capabilities. An early marriage, poverty of
families, discrimination in benefiting the existing
opportunities equally by girl children and boy
children in majority of families divests capacity
building from women and deprives them of favorable
opportunities in access to material possibilities.
Whereas, based on the figures of this research a
small number of literate women is deprived of
economic capabilities.
The above table shows that 78.46% of literate women
whom the interviews have been taken from are of
professions and economic capabilities and only
21.54% of them are deprived of it.
4. 
In addition, the
restriction of profession selection for women is
also considered as the reasons of economic
incapability of women in our country. Widely making
employment as a gender issue, in other words, labor
division on the basis of gender issue and the
perception that women should perform such activities
that do not contradicting their housekeeping
affairs, also restrict working ground for women.
Although majority of the interviewees that is 81%
are not against women work, but as we see in the
next table that they mostly prefer women to be
teacher in schools or kindergartens. In general,
women with children should look for work of short
time duration. Besides, being of less income and
tiresome, these occupations further less
opportunities for women promotion and the restricted
selection of employment impels to unemployment.
As we see in the above chart about 65% of the
interviewees were for women being teachers, 23% of
them support the idea of women to be physicians and
very small percentage suggests other occupations.
One another example about the
restriction on  women employment originated from the
people thoughts and perception and it is related to
area of trade and business. Although, from the
Islamic history point of view we always refer to
women engagement in the area of business but the
ordinary people think that doing business is not
appropriate for women.
5.
Following the
reasons mentioned before, one of the other main
reasons of economic incapability of women is the
change in their life style after marriage. Many of
the employed women either leave the job or they are
prohibited from working. Interviews conducted with
these women during the preparation of this report
reflect this reality:
A
woman from Herat:
“…I am an engineer and my age is 35 years. I have
been working for 6 years and my monthly income was
5000 Afghani (100$), but my husband does not allow
me to work because as he said a woman should not be
an engineer. Now I don’t want to ask my husband for
money and as such live in isolation from all my
relatives.”
A woman from Kabul:
“I am a physician and my age is 38 years. I had
10000 (200$) Afghani monthly incomes but after the
death of my husband, I was to take care of my
children and for this reason could not work in the
night shift and leave the job. Now I have too many
economic problems and live with the assistance of my
relatives from abroad.”
A woman from Kabul:
“I am veterinary of 30 years age. I had worked
for one month for 2500 Afghani (50$) income. My
father doesn’t let me to go to clinic…he said girls
should not perform this job I would like you to
become a teacher. Now, I am not willing to ask my
father for money. So I am facing with too much
economic difficulty.”
6.
No realization of the Islamic rights regarding women
economic provisions in family and as a general in
our society, places women in a sensible position. As
it was discussed in details early, women according
to Islamic provisions enjoy inheritance right, dower
and alimony. But in practice and according to the
results of this report, these rights are not easy
accessible for every woman in Afghanistan.
A: Enjoyment of
dower
 Based on the given information
in the below table, the benefiting balance of dower
by women reaches 17% while 83% of women are deprived
of this right.
Of course, there are different reasons of
inaccessibility of women to dower which include in
part the unawareness of women from this right and
disregard of families from giving up of this right
to women.
A woman from Kandahar says in this connection:
“God forbid so that I take dower because thanks
to God I am not divorced.”
A woman from Kabul explains her opinion:
“There elapsed 5 years since my marriage and my
dower is about one million Afghani (20000 $). If I
asked for it my husband gets angry over me and the
family atmosphere become displease. Otherwise, as I
have no income work and in order to remove my needs
I have to ask my husband for money from time to
time. If I got my dower I would not face such
problems.”
A woman from Jalalabad adds in this respect:
“I am 29 years old and 12 years elapsed since my
marriage. My dower was determined 500000 Afghani
(1000 $) but there is no tradition of taking dower.”
Of course, it should not be forgotten that the role
of religious scholars in the introduction of this
right for women and the obligation of men and
families regarding the bestowing of this right is
very essential. The philosophy of dower
determination for women which is clearly indicated
in the Islamic provisions should be conveyed o the
people through religious scholars. It is the main
responsibility of the religious scholars in the
ensuring of economic independence of women. The
report explains that only 32% of mullahs have been
giving instruction to the people in this regard.
B.
Access of women
to inheritance right
This report discloses that
despite the clear and decisive indications of Qura’n
about the importance of enjoyment of inheritance
right by women in Afghanistan, women rarely benefit
from it. This is indicated in the following table:
The table shows that 72% of women don’t enjoy inheritance
right while only 28.52% of them are able to take the
advantage of the right.
In this connection, disregard of the family in
giving the inheritance to their daughters and the
unawareness of the women and girls from their rights
are considered as the main reasons of women
deprivation from inheritance right. At the same
time, there is no clear mechanism that can be of
help for women in this regard.
A woman from Badakhshan says in this regard:
“We are tow sisters and two brothers. Our
(sisters) economic position is not good but
brothers’ is good because they posses all our father
property. But when we claim on inheritance, our
brothers get angry.”
 A
woman from Maidan pointed out that:
“We are three sisters
and three brothers. Economic position of our parent
was good and we were given much property as
inheritance. But after their death when we ask for
our inheritance right they told us that we got
married and have no other right upon them.”
Finally a woman from Juzjan,
noted in this connection:
“We are two brothers and two sisters. Despite
that our economic position is not good, but taking
inheritance from paternal home by girl is no
accepted tradition and the people look at her with
contempt.
7.
Deprivation of more women of
property right because of reasons mentioned already,
can also confront women with difficulties. Although,
fortunately there are no legal and religious
(Islamic) obstacles in this respect, but indeed
women in very limited cases are the owner of
property and estate. On one side, it is because of
the no access of won to inheritance right, dower and
income and on the other, rejection of property
ownership by women.
Many people think that there is no need for women to
have a registered property by their name and also
when you put a question before them that if they
know a women having registered property by their
name the answer in about 80% is negative. It is also
shown in the above table.
For more clarity, we refer to the opinion of several
women in this regard:
A woman from Herat:
“I have got a small villa by inheritance from
father, but my husband to register it by his name in
legal documentation because women don’t need for
property and their alimony is their husband
responsibility.”
A woman from Kandahar:
“According to my father
will, all property was given to brothers and I was
told that I don’t need for estate and they would
give me ornament.”
Part six
Conclusion and Suggestions
Conclusion
Access and benefiting
of women without interference of other in the
material resources, giving and enjoyment of this
right is not only their natural right, but it helps
them in acquiring and other rights; it helps them to
live independently without relying on the other
support, to be useful in the enhancement of family
and country economy and in the result be treated as
an active social and economic element. Their voice
be recognized and heard in the capacity of an
independent human being.
Islam has clear and concrete provisions for the
ensuring of economic resources of women and has
encouraged women in all walk of life so that to take
active participation in the economic affairs.
Domestic affairs of women which seem to be less
valuable, indeed has essential economic value and
its absence will cause strong economic damage for
their families.
Laws of Afghanistan don’t contained relative
guarantee for the economic development of women and
not offer any protections measures for poor
families.
Women work more than men during 24 hours, but
receive less privilege than that of men.
Different custom and traditions existing in
Afghanistan take out the proper opportunities for
economic development and growth of women and on the
other hand limit their employment.
Recommendation
1.
As far as
the education is regarded as the key element in the
economic development; and the main factor of
economic backwardness of women is their limited
access to education, therefore it is suggested:
A.
Providing equal
conditions for access of girls/women through
building and increase numbers of schools in the
accessible areas for them
B.
The government
should offer alternative livestock program and
economic assistance for their families and thus
encouraging the families to send their daughters to
schools
C.
The government
should prevents an early marriage hindering access
of girls in education and consequently hindering
access in their economic access trough elaborating
of rational policies.
2.
The government
should plan national mechanisms, procedures and
structure at
Very high governmental level with the presentation of enough
opportunities so that these structure and
institutions perform the following functions for the
purpose of economic ability of women:
A.
To convince
government about the importance of women presence at
all level of governmental policy making
B.
Systematically
evaluate the economic status of women and their role
in the economy of country
C.
Plan policies
and programs through which discrimination against
women in all fields especially in regards of their
employment and work could be eliminated.
3.
For the
strengthening and empowering economic independence
of women,
Government should take concrete and special measures as
positive discrimination, determination of women
quota in all issue relating to employment and
likewise as temporary steps; thus ensuring the role
and equal participation of women in the affairs
relating to economy and employment.
4.
On the basis of
the experience and findings of our research it is
proved that the
Main problem of women in economy is the ignorance of their
role in economy; therefore, the government should
consider the establishment of institutions of women
right protection and other structure in respect of
policy and procedures, develop and implements them
so that to identify and inform people about the
following circumstances:
A.
Women economic
ability
B.
Develop data
collection mechanism about women employment in
governmental offices and private sector
C.
Presence of
women in market and trade
D.
Role of gender
equality in development
E.
Economic value
of women activities
5.
Government
should prepare proper paid employment opportunities
for women
Enhancement of women
awareness from supportive economic resources is very
important. Women should receive information
regarding their economic rights in Islam, Laws of
Afghanistan and that what are the international
standards in this regard and how they can access
them for this purpose, the government and interested
NGOs for ensuring women rights should direct
attention of women to these opportunities through
organizing and planning of public awareness
activities.
Mohammad Hakim Pur, Women rights in the
light of sunnah and research of scholars(in
Persian) Tehran 2002.p214
Holy Quran, Surrah Al Nisa, verse 11
Holy Quran, Surrah AL Nisa, verse 12
.Holly Quran, Sorrah Al Bqra,Verse 233
For more information see : Civil Laws of
Afghanistan(Kabul: Ministry of Justice,1976)
article 2008
.Most of the feminists of 20 century
accepted it and the matter was bout the
right to selection between employment and
marriage.
.In 1871 the end of the school was 10 years
age and in 1931 it was 14 years.
.Din Mohammad Jawed. Woman in the history of
Afghanistan.(Kabul,unknown,2001)p.84
.Statistic Year Book No.24,2002, p.28
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