Report on

Women Political Participation

In Afghanistan

 Year 2005 – 1384

for index and introduction click here

Part One

A glance over subject’s background

1.1-         History of women activities in Afghanistan:

Archeological remnants and historical researches and clues, in regions like Koor’s reign, remnant of Badakhshan, Mandigak, Demracy, Hazar sum-e Samangan, Qora Kamar, Sistan help us claim the existence of women activities throughout the history of afghan territory  thousands years ago. However, it’s too difficult to find out their life secrets, their social and political roles during the emergency situations and collapse of matriarchy.

Participation of women in social and political affairs during “Wida” era:

Obviously, the availability and truth of historic authenticity before the ear of  Widas is still under question.  The biggest evidence of Widas dynasty is their chansons, which includes four books (Reg Wida, Bejor Wida, Atharoa Wida and Sama Wida). They were all sung from one and half to two thousand years ago. These chansons tell us about the social structures, classes and other particularities of that period. Even though, it can be counted as the starting era of salivary, but was neither comparable with the intensity of salivary in Rome and Greece nor the social classification of India. The Wida chansons honor and quote the equality of men and women in the community and family. For instance, both men and women participated in singing the chansons, animals sacrificial (animals slaughter for religious purposes) and worship customs.

Women were also found among the Rishis (the singers of Wida chansons), who, simultaneously, were the guiders of community and families and the imposers of culture over people.  Consequently, this era can be regarded as the era of equality of rights among men and women. However, according to William Gaiger, the german scientist, men were heads of the family while women had to obey him. On the other hand, men considered women as their spouses and life partners not like bondwomen.

While calling names concatenation, women’s names were after the men. Although, chansons and sacrifices were done by men but women also had a big hand in poetry. During local consults and consensus, presence of women has been palpable. It indicates that women were welcomed to the meetings and were among the decision makers for their community. It also tells us facts about the political participation of women. Whereas, today, they are not only allowed to join the congregations, but even deprived to interfere in their own lives too. Any way, despite of not being confined to houses, the women could contribute to the games in the fields along with the men, which included the youngsters as well. This has been mentioned in the chanson in its particular way “youngsters like the sound of girls, as if God does of human pray”. Briefly, we can say that women, during Widas were making poems and rhyming, had participation in social ceremonies, took part in decision making and were among the Rishi.

Participation of women in social and political affairs during “Avesta” era:

After Widas, Avesta era emerged in Ariana about three thousand years ago. There’s no appreciable change in women’s lives in this era as compared to the previous one. Women participated in their cultural and social affairs and had credibility in the family. Denying marriage was a blot in the Avesta society. Parents were the wooers of marriage, but the satisfaction of couples was also  a condition. This reflects the equality of men and women in terms of their rights in that era, which did not recognize the current unfair traditions and customs. Since the mid of Christ century, the powerful empire of Koshanian with salivary basis had replaced the previous empires. They were strengthened to the level that soon their borders reached to Indus River. Great Kanishka, the Koshani Empire, joined Buddhism, which was the first attempt of Buddhism spread all over the country. The images on an ancient ivory piece remnants, which were  found in Bagram ( one of archeological places of Koshanian) shows two women called “yakshi” or the goddesses standing at the door of Torana  temple. This represents the importance of that temple in Bagram. The other pieces found from the same place, illustrates a woman over a winged lion which is quite similar to Matora and mawarti sculpturing. It seems that the pieces belong to 3rd century.

These archeological evidences clearly attest that women had eminent place in the society and their reputation was at the level of worship. It continued till the periods in which there was no news from feudalism. According to the author of a book “Afghanistan after Islam”, during 7th century women ever had such a social significance that was never obtained during the following centuries. At that time, based on laws, women had the right to seize the throne. For instance, Poran, the Sasani 29th monarch’s princess and Azarmi, the Sasani 31st monarch’s princess, respectively reached the power by630 to 900 A.C.

The quotation made by known Afghan historian, Ostad AbdulHai Habibi, states the political participation of women before Islam.

  Arabs domination and salivary intensity of women:

Feudalism and patriarchy were still  on the route to come when Islam entered the country. The new religious ideas were laying the ground stones for the ideological relations of feudalism. Since aristocrats, lords and high class people, by building seraglios and houses, were keeping lots of women inside, the previous liberty and privileges were restricted into tall walls of these imarets. It made most of the religious analysts to adapt themselves and respect some of the newly born customs and traditions. The dilemma affected the “right equality” of man and woman in its wrong way, even in some cases, women side was violated that finally deepened their captivity and salivary. The verbal expressions like mastourat and mokhaderat (meaning veiling and covering women by a veil) were used when talking about women. Arab conquerors forgot their main goal and prophecy by enjoying in their seraglios and glorifying their local courts and residences. For satisfying the capital authorities, they were sending eastern slave  among the people under their governing. Sometime, these captured women by entering the capital seraglios, brought up most of the known Arab caliphs. For example, Yazid Ebn Walid, the Amewi Arabs caliph was son of a woman who was captured by Qebta from the north of Khorasan (currently in Afghanistan) and sent to Hejaj, who eventually was given to the caliph, Walid ebn AbdulMalik, father of Yazid. Abdull ebn Tahir Foushanji donated 400 maidens the caliph in capital Baghdad adding the 4,000 women in his seraglio.

Marjila was another maiden married by Harun-arrashid after he killed her father, Ostad Sis Badghisi, later was mother of Mamun-Arrashid, another caliph.

 Internal conflicts and anti-Arab riots followed some failures and defeats, which not only made women hopeless on their way to success, but messed up their normal social life as well. By establishment of constitutional zed feudalism by Arabs, former masses, both  men and women were forced to carry out the overbearing works. They had to carry the load of exploitation and domination of Arabs in order to let them live their luxurious life.   Among other things, women were dragged to salivary and desecration. It’s to be added that the religious foundations and domination during the reign of Samanis, Ghaznawis, Seljuks and Khwarazmshahis, was so much strengthened that multiplied women bondage than any other time by its heavy load. It was believed that women do not  have to struggle for alimony except in  the case that they don’t have relatives, reasoning for this, they were pretending the legitimacy of a woman bondage and captivity. The corruption of Bedouin Arabs entered this community by 9th and 10th hijri centuries, in course of time getting worse; the veil of high class women in society distinguished them from those poor and deprived them working outside all the time. 

In 13th century, during the invasion of Mongolians, all the economical, social and cultural foundations were devastated, common people were massacred, even libraries and schools, the only remnant of the pasts, were ruined dreadfully. Only a few people, by taking shelter to the mountains, could survive from the invasion. One an half century ,from the emergence of Mongolians to establishment of Timourians,  has been the darkest moral age of the county. It was not only women, in deed, the whole nation had to fight for their lives  and had to provide the  Mongolian troops with their requirements. In fact, the whole public was living in bondage. During Timourians in Herat, after long time depression, social and cultural attempts started to move.  The due to encouragement and insistence of the monarch’s  wife GoherShad Begum. Herat was  once more revived and renovated due to her struggles. Despite existence of some intellectual and literate women,  traditionally women were stopped to gain education and knowledge. What is amazing is that Jalaluddin Rawani, the famous knowledge man, says in his book of ethics “the husband should show up himself exalted to woman so that she never disobeys his orders. …. Not to seek advice from women in major issues should be aware of her belongings details… intimidate her not to listen to men’s speeches…. and never to marry woman with children, a widow or a rich woman.” It’s interesting that a known man sticks such things in mind, if he thinks so, what would be the thought of common people of that era. Based on his ideas, we can imagine the  pressure  on  women at that time.

 Women’s characters in the contemporary age of Afghanistan:

 Women played a significant role contemporarily, which strongly appears throughout the battles against colonialists for independence. This is the consideration of women situation in contemporary history of Afghanistan.

 Women’s role in anti-colonist combat:

During this time, a patriot afghan woman with broaden social looks, whose name was “Bobojan” harassed by British occupation of the country called on her nation: (in form of poem)

 For god’s sake

Turn up your voice

Be sweetened nation’s mouth

From the fruit of freedom, Oh God!

I draw my eyes,

By the antimony from the foot soil of freedom

 She called on many women to combat for freedom and independence and soon became the historic hereon of the country. Malalai, the famous afghan woman during the independence war, was committed to her struggles till reaching success; she says “if you haven’t been martyred in Maiwand battlefield, you have stigmatized yourself.” It is important to mention  the memo of Ghazi Adai, another patriot, who marched along with other protestors against colonists from Khoshi, in Logar province, to DehQazi (Kabul), around whom other women gathered with guns on their shoulders to fight for freedom.  She  was daughter of Habib Aka  from Soleimankhel in katawaz (southeast of Afghanistan), who lost her husband and son because of the national combat, was among other hereon of Second Afghan Resistance.

Let’s introduce you another combater afghan woman, Bibi Halima with nickname “Madad Khan’s mother” who was born in Barana in Kabul. She was sister of Dost Mohammad Khan, the afghan king, who enrolled the country during second British invasion . Charles Maison, in his book “itinerary of Afghanistan and Balouchistan” and Mohan Laal in his book “life story of Dost Mohammad Khan”, both have talked about her; Mrs. Halima was going from  house  to house in Kohdaman and shamali (north of Kabul) to encourage public masses in the war against colonists.

 Gaining independence:

Along with reaching the political independence and the seize of power by youth movement party, the constitution was passed and the modern civic democracy was proclaimed  to  all the community. This was a partly survival and lighting up of women’s rights. The ever first school for women (Kabul citizens) was founded in 1919 with a suitable and adequate program at that time. The books of that time called Aman-unnaswan were illustrating a good image of women’s social life.  a year after the establishment of the  school, a weekly gazette called “Ershad-unnaswan” started publication. As there was still some reactions against women, so the authors preferred to use a pen names. For instance, the director’s name abbreviation was A.R and chief editor’s was R.A. which are respectively Asma Rasmia, wife of Mahmood Tarzi (father of Afghanistan’s journalism) and Roh Afza, daughter of Mohmmad Zaman. At the beginning, the weekly was printed in four pages and later the number of published pages increased to 12. Print center was the KarwanSarai gazette of Kabul. It covered subjects like health, life, women rights, children, education, house keeping, etc.

The queen Suraya’s efforts and encouragement was very efficient and supportive for women’s movements. In 1922, for the first time a hospital for women and children was founded and  Afghan pupils including boys and girls were sent to overseas e.g. Turkey, women as a whole were  encouraged to remove veils.  Un-raised girls’ marriage was illegalized.  All women in bondage were freed when the decree problaiming illegality of salivary was issued.

These were the working plans of the young afghan government, which was  confronted by the fundamentalists to the extent   that persuaded the government to step back and to overlook some parts. 

 The first indications of afghan women tendency to democratic struggle:

 Second World War, the defeat of Hitler fascism, the social revolutions in eastern European and Asian countries, all influenced Afghan society as well. The old government with traditional despotic system was turning into a moderated administration with democratic features. Considering the public mass dissatisfaction and severe social and economic crises, the new cabinet proclaimed some sort of democratic liberties, including press law. Statute for National Council elections was proposed and some basic reforms were founded. This included establishment women’s foundation called women welfare forum in 1946, which was the result of implementing reform programs and world’s main alteration. This is one of the most important achievements of this period, in field of social and political awareness of women. Along with the administrative expansion and development of women activities, the foundation was improved.  A library was made, some amusement places of the Kabul were allocated to women. “Mirman” the women magazine started publication; ladies like Masouma Ismati, Nafisa Shaieq, Peghla Kobra, Saleha Mirzad, Latifa Kabir Saraaj, Shayesta Moqor and others started to enlighten the public minds. During the early times of the magazine, topics on  the  lives  of women in Europe and other countries were published   in order to highlight and prove women’s  role in society building in order to encourage women Participation of women in military, diplomacy, products, art and creative activities, all were the discussing subjects for the afghan women. (of course for those who could read and have access to media).

  A subject with the title of “awaken youngsters” was published in Kabul magazine in 1947 calling on intellectual writers to send their articles and points of view to the magazine. A big series of articles, pro and anti opinions reached the magazine office that made the size of magazine as that of a book. There were topics written by   women, which denoted  their favor and fondness to the social and political atmosphere and democracy of the country. Mrs. Homaira, wrote an article by the   the title of “the Young and Aliya”, in addition of her insistence on women role in bring up their children, was reflecting her full experience in politics and writing skills. In an another topic by Mrs. Hamida, the inevitability evolution has been discussed. Mrs. M.G. Rahmani, another women writer, has emphasized on the role of women in raising children and teenagers, she has argued the problems of compulsory marriages for the first time in full details. Once more, she has emphasized on the need of women education and public awareness , and has called for fight against harmful social traditions. Rabia Hairat,  in her topic of “girls should help youngsters” has discussed the relationship between the struggle and  the future of the community.

All the above mentioned Statements  indicate the signs of struggles, at least in the cities were started for surviving women from bondage.

 Fights and life story of afghan women during one and a half decade before 7^th Sawr event:

 In the early 1954, a kind of specified liberties for women were  announced, which was  later called women’s movements. This movement was restricted and did not allow  women participation in economical and social life. In spite of that, in the middle 20th century, community sentiments stood against despotism as the conditions were overbearing and didn’t please the intellectuals and thinkers. The public well, intention and world’s changed situation forced the government to prepare a constitution with democratic freedom for the people and put some pledges in the paper. Although the words like the ones before, were repeating and exhausting, but in total paved the way for formation of democratic combating organizations including  women. In 1965, Afghanistan Women Organization was set up in order to  sustain the  afghan women’s struggles . However, because of the relations with left wingers, this party  reflected the same ideologies and aims, but behaved independently in order to  attract women in wide range and strengthen it self  by getting affiliation  of strong women…..

The organization struggled to widen and establish relations with some of the open minded women, to widely launch communications and notifications and publicize itself via schools, universities and authorities even on  the level of provinces and districts. Above all, they participated and launched celebrations of 8 March, women day and  labor day.  However, the combat of women in this party was in progress during 15 years before 7th Sawr event. Their attempt in different fields of life and social participation was getting better, but at whole, all women combats, enlightenment activities, and implementing social civil services can not be confined to this party. The combats and enlightening activities of both men and women via governmental means and mass media, despite of being individually, was very efficient and proficient. For example, another magazine “Kahol” started publication in 1976 that certainly carried out lots of efforts and struggles for illumination of women and standing against old harmful tradition by publishing articles about women rights and liberties, their history and presenting and instancing some of genius women with their services for the world community. Furthermore, 10 women participated in a national council (Loya Jirga), which was hold for preparing the constitution by participation of 347 representatives, 84 elective and 186 appointive.

 Women presence since 7^th Sawr revolution:

 7th Sawr revolution followed by many consequences from which the symbolic presence of women in some governmental posts can be mentioned nevertheless, after collapse of Dr. Najibullah’s regime and seizing of power by mujahideen, women were drawn. This escapism reached its climax when mujahideen were pulled out by Taliban. During Taliban, women not only were able to participate in the political stream, but even were not allowed to come out of their homes in order to get their basic needs. After the collapse of Taliban on September 11, and formation of interim and transitional government women appearance in politic was revived.  

1.  2- political movements of women in the region and in the world:

 As  part of the global community, Afghanistan has  past experiences  regarding the political participation of women, but it is worth to mention  that all  these experiences  are not limited  to  Afghanistan, but  the political participation of women in every part of the world has made a history. Here we’ll have a turn to the events and occurrences of political participation of women:

“The history of political movements of women and their related ideas can be traced from the France revolution. Olymp De Gauje, the French writer states in human right declaration in 1789: “while women have the right to go to gallows, they should have the right to stand behind the table of speech.” During the French revolution women started to form revolutionary clubs. In 1792, Marry Wollstonecraft supported the women rights and attracted the public mind to political status of women.

In the middle of 19 century, Sen Simon and Fourie, two supporters of women rights declared their support and assert to women. Later when  the demand for equality of women and men in the social and political life widely emerged, women political groups and movements started to fight for gaining political rights in 1865. In Iran, the history of reaction against traditional situation of women appears in later 19 century. The man traditional culture of Iran  looked  women with contemptuous eyes and didn’t allow them to launch political activity. The women had to obey the extreme veil rules and housekeeping affairs. At the end of 19 century, they succeeded to acquire information and awareness, which they deserved. Schools and educational institutes were inaugurated for women. They gained the right to affiliate to some of social movements of their country. In general, women movements of Iran didn’t include the whole Iranian women. It means that still some of women did not  want to give up their traditions and customs. There were two reasons for that; either they could not realize and invetigate the women’s movements or  were completely apathetic. Some writers opposed the idea of taking up some of governmental posts by women. According to Heigle “women probably can own culture, thought and liking but they can’t have access to absolute access. Man and woman difference can be exemplified as that of animals and plants. Their growth rate is slower… if they reach the power, the government will be at risk. As their decisions are not based on logic and principals and they do behave based on their personal wishes and believes.”

 Elections and the impacts for women political participation:

 More than participation of women in politics, their participation in elections as the voters and vote receivers are important. The point to be noted is that this issue is counted as one of the main demonstrations of women political participation in every community. It’s obvious that women were deprived of voting right even in advanced conditions that brought about their isolation from politics. The following examples can be considered:

Ideas and believes regarding the politic affairs were discussed after the French revolution. Women politic movements started to fight for gaining politic rights in 1865. Women congress of United States for advocating women rights was formed in 1850. In 1869, John Stuart Mill, the English politic philosopher, published a book “women bondage” which was widely welcomed. It proposed the first memo to the British parliament to declare women rights. The National Union for vote right of women was formed in 1869. Socialist movement was also fighting for women right. International women movements as a part of global movements of socialism formed a congress in 1907 and after in 1915 and demanded for respecting women rights and their participation in Proltavia Global movement.

In Asia and between Islamic countries, these movements were too slow as the women were facing lots of restrictions like wearing veils, constraint of their activities and the duty of house keeping. In later 19 century, attention was paid to women situation. Schools were established and the women deserved the right to follow and participate in some social meetings. 

Chapter Two

 Main Obstacles for Women’s Political Participation

By reviewing the past history of Afghanistan and the world it we find out that politics has always been changing, it is usage and our perspective towards it also have been transforming. Of course, the dominating circumstances have always had a very important role in our interpretation from politics. Politics is used sometimes as a profession and some other time as means to make a life but in our society it has a very poor social structure and for long time had influenced all aspects of our lives.

But when we talk about women’s political participation, we can see that women’s participation in politics and their perspective along with society’s view towards women’s political participation are connected to certain other factors too which could be presented as the main obstacles in women’s political participation.

The outcomes which has been extracted from analyzing the research data, shows a very long list of problems and difficulties in their way to participate in political issues. Some of these problems are common and understandable which exists in any other part of the world too. Although some other are specific to afghan context. So this part of report is devoted to the most basic barriers in the way of women’s political participation:

From 361 women who have been busy in social activities and were interviewed in our research 172 of them like to participate in political issues, 189 did not show the same interest. From the 172 interested women, 72 preferred it as a personal taste but 117 of them explained their lack of interest to political participation a consequence of the obstacles and problems that we would find it in the answer sheet:

“In the recent years, political situation has been so much chaotic that even men’s participation could not put any positive influence, so we could not expect any better result if women

were  participating in the politics…”

Or:

“Due to economical problems I cannot meet my basic needs while political participation requires strong economy.”

In another answer sheet we read:

 “Because of my official and home responsibilities I cannot participate in politics.”

 Today that we need women’s political participation more than any other time, not for seek of their own, but for supporting democracy, paying attention to removing obstacles from their way towards political activities should one of our priorities. The most important obstacles are as bellow: 

 a. Most of women interviewed are not interested to politics or they follow their husbands, fathers or others political opinions and that is a kind of escape from politics, as we read in this interview:

“Having numerous children, official responsibilities and insecurity are the reasons why my husband prevented me from participating in political affairs.”

b. Despite that constitution has approved the establishment of political parties and the registration of some parties is a big step ahead, but as it is apparent from many interviews, most of new political parties are relying on old beliefs and have left less opportunity for women participation and in most cases in their policies they are only offering literacy courses and health services. As from 14 parties that we have interviewed and through analyzing their policies, they had the same problem or their programs for women’s political participation were not well organized.

c. Weak political opinions, even in the intellectual circles, and more emphasis on traditions and customs and to some extent the hereditary dominant beliefs of families, are like chains on women’s hands and legs. As a result, their access to politics is limited. Appearing of fundamentalist opinions, one after another and very close to each other, instead of inviting women to political domain, have oppressed them and seduced them. Thus, they think being involved in politics is nothing but problem, pain, or exploitation. As 250 interviewees out of 517 have accepted this fact and were not interested in political affairs. 

It should not be forgotten that presence of such system of thought regarding women’s political participation is not a natural reaction among women, these factors are produced due to radical problems which has inveterate into consecutive generations of women and now changed to a consolidated principle. Some of these factors are shown in chart 1 and we would concentrate on each and every of them:  

The chart shows that the greatest obstacle on women’s political participation is the negative traditions. Also there are some other factors which are threatening women’s political participation namely and according to their importance are: Economy, illiteracy, insecurity, family structure (communal life), number of children and living in rural areas.

 1-Absence of a balanced and purposeful education

Absence of a well balanced and universal education could be the main cause of our failures to progress and the unique factor of our misery. It is a universally accepted idea that lack of a good education system counts as the principal hindering factor for any country’s development. When we introduce lack of education as an obstacle on women’s political participation, we have notice two facts:

 a. absence of a well balanced education

Despite the fact that our research has been limited to Kabul and its

 surrounding areas, it is quite evident from the conclusions that women’s lack of higher education is one of the main cause of the slow political growth. There are many girls who due to various factors

could not continue their studies and could not enter political arena.

As chart number 2 shows the role of education in the women’s political participation

 Chart 2 clarifies that from 189 women interested in politics, 116 are baccalaureate, 56 universities graduated, 5 masters. So it shows that as much as the level of education increases the interest of women towards politics augments.

In the contrary chart 3 shows the significance of women who are interested to political issues and are in different educational level

Chart 3 shows that from 172 women interested to politics 77 were baccalaureate, 61 university graduated, 22 students and 12 masters.

b. Absence of a purposeful education

It should be noticed that if there is an access to education but this access is not purposeful again women and girls cannot be prepared for political affairs because messages and subjects included in the curricula of education system has a very crucial role in students mental development. If in schools text books were written that: “Ahmad is playing soccer and his sister is cleaning the house.” This sentence from the very beginning inserts in girls’ thinking system that for them doing the chores is the priority. If school material could not be inspiring for students, girls from the very outset will remain distanced from social affaires and therefore their mental development will slow down and they will not have the needed power of though.

2- Security

 Insecurity has a very profound effect on all aspects of life if there is no security the mach -ine of life will jam and any kind of movement is halted.

World history and our three decade full of conflict past, is a good

example. Today most of the diseased, illiterate and suffered people of our society is constituted by women. Insecurity has taken every thing from them including health services, education and even nutrition. Instead has bombarded them with trouble, illiteracy, and various physical and spiritual sufferings.

These , as stated above, it is unlikely that we witness women’s political participation in a insecure situation, as in the absence of peace and stability, politics change to violence and women being naturally anti-violence, becomes more vulnerable and try to avoid it.

When, we insist that women are antiviolence so automatically they are pro-security. If even the chance they successfully can bring about peace and security. The presence of women in the political activities is a sign of security and their absence is an indication of insecurity or its instability. In the research all the women who are interested in political participation have mentioned insecurity as their main impediment in the way of their political development. Those who were not interested in politics mentioned it as main factor preventing them to participate in the political activities. As showing in chart 4 thee is a direct relation between insecurity and women’s political participation

  As it is evident from the chart the main cause of lack of interest of women to political participation is presence of irresponsible armed men and insecurity. From 189 women not interested in politics, 90 claimed insecurity as their main concern and 79 pointed out irresponsible armed men as the principle obstacle in their way.

In addition chart 5 shows that 172 women interested in politics have proposed security problems as main obstacle in their way towards political affaires.

:Chart 5 shows that from 172 women interested to political issues, 83 have complained of insecurity,37 of the presence of irresponsible armed men while 52 had no complaints.

3-Economy

Economy is the milestone of the life that not only politics but covers all the domains of life and affects but it has a very close association with politics that it looks impossible to separate them. The combination of these two constitutes the political economy that has a very important place in today’s life. The very powerful politicians without economics cannot attain any thing. Possibly one of reasons why women cannot participate in the political issue is economical weakness f the country and women’s low income.

For knowing about the effect of economy on women’s political participation we can refer to the following chart

 Chart 6 clarifies that from 189 women who had not interst in politics, 136 were earning less than 5000 afghani per month, 18 were earning 5000 to 10000 , five were gaining 10000 to 15000 and only 2 of them were earning more than 15000 afghani per month.

As we all know, political competitions whether it is for parliamentary election or any other election, requires hefty sum of money that is though to be provided by women. So this factor prevails as the very crucial factor in the way of women to join political activities.

 5-    Residential Area

Identifying residential area as a factor for preventing women from political participation is a particular issue related to the underdeveloped countries like Afghanistan. As access to all facilities and services in Afghanistan are restricted to the cities and most of remote areas cannot have access to the every facility, and as access to education, press and other media channels are very important for the political development of people and these facilities are absent in the village so residential area can be highlighted as an obstacle in the way of women’s political participation.

Chart 7 can elucidate this reality

  Chart 7 clarifies that from the women interested in political affairs which is 172, 152 were in cities and 20 in the villages.

 5- Number of children

Another important issue for women interested in political issues is

the support and assistance given by the family which is mostly related to the issue of raising children, caring of elders and diseased members. For the most of female politicians this factor still stands a very significant issue and even if it is resolved, it would be partial. There is a clear cut difference of government and family system in developed countries in comparison to underdeveloped nations. In our part of the world cohabitation of several families in one house, high number of children and all other related issues limits the participation of women in the political arena. For this matter you can refer to the following chart, depicting the effect of living condition and number of children upon women’s political activity.

In the chart 8 numbers of children and its effects on women’s political activities is illustrated:

Chart 8 demonstrates that among those mothers who have up to 3 children interest in political affairs is more, however mothers who have 4-6 children are less interested and those who have more than 6 this inclination is very low.

6- Family Structure (Independence or Communal)

Independent or communal life is the result of the marriage of children and has positive and negative impacts on the women’s political participation. To be more exact, when children grow up and become adults they will make their own families. They either stay with their parental family, or they start an independent life. This has positive and negative effects on women’s political participation which is shown in chart 9.

   Chart 9 shows that women living in independent families have more reluctance towards political participation and that could be due the facilities they enjoy in their independent life style.

 6. Legislation

Laws are the utmost reference for ensuring the rights of citizens. For application of political rights and in particular women’s political rights, the highest authority that could highlight this issue and document it is: Legislation. In this research, when we enter the issue of legislation and its role in the political activities of women, and specially when we are introducing it as an obstacle, it is clear that our target is not the law itself, in contrast our criticism is on its presentation and structuring in Afghanistan and its contents, which could emerge as an obstacle in the way of women’s political participation. To give more clearance and precision to the issue we focus on three aspects 1) the presentation and design of the law 2) the content of law 3) law enforcement and interpretation.

 a) The presentation and design of law: As in the previous Jirgas for the approving the constitutions of Afghanistan in the past, the presence of women was very limited and symbolic which could be described by the following table.

It is clear that women’s absence in the process of making and approving the constitution is one of the very crucial impediments in their way for political participation. First, it looks that without women’s participation in the process of making law their demands, needs and rights would hardly be addressed. Secondly, their non participation in itself is a denial of their equal rights and participation. Finally, when women are not involved in the process of making and approving law they would not feel possessing law and would not act upon heartily.

2) Content of Law: the most important thing about a law is its content and how it is scripted. Unfortunately in all the afghan constitution, except the new constitution approved in 1994, this fact is not taken care of regarding women issue. Although, by using “Tab’a” (citizen) we mean both men and women, in our society women have not citizenship cart or the general usage Tab’a is not clear to everybody, so it is necessary to precisely mention that Tab ‘a encompasses both men and women anywhere they are talking about women’s rights or political rights. 

3) Law enforcement: As mentioned, absence of women in the process of legislation or their limited presence has negative effects on the enforcement of law; as their absence could end up in their zero level of awareness about law. If women are ignorant of their documented rights in the legislation they would assume that women do not have the right to make political parties or cannot claim the equality against men…. As many afghan women think that women should not be involved in the politics. In a referendum made through internet and questionnaires asking, whether women have the right to enter the politics, 58 percent of people living in Kabul said no or I don’t know.

Based on this, we an prove that in a society with such perspectives, it would be very difficult for a woman to stand for political competition and if she dares to do so, her chances of success are mince.

So if the laws are not well used and enough awareness regarding the law is not given to the public and finally if legislation is not make by the extensive participation of women and men, and could not give a supportive umbrella for vulnerable people, it is not impossible that accept it as an obstacle in the way of women’s political participation. 

7- The role of traditions on women’s political participation

Tradition is a habit which gradually and spontaneously has become an obligatory custom among a  specific group of population. When we discuss to tradition as an obstacle, we mean negative traditions

obstacle for women’s political participation. The refusal of women’s activity outside the threshold of house and her being isolated from all social activities are the very common realities of our country especially in the remote places. Increasing number of educated women and their presence in the working area does indicate that they have been liberated from the chains of traditions. As mentioned, most of women interviewed for this research were educated women how are busy in the certain organizations, however they still claim that prevailing traditions are the most important obstacle in their way towards political activity. As from 189 women uninterested to politics most were pointing out negative traditions as the main challenging factor. This fact is shown in Chart 10:

    After analyzing the chart it is clear that women’s great problem lies in the presence of negative traditions and customs, because 139 people were complaining and only 50 among them were not proposing traditions as an obstacle to their involvement in politics.  

To know more about the impact of traditions on women’s political participation, some debates have been raised through internet or directly by collecting people’s views and reactions to the possibility of electing of a female candidate as the president or chairman of parliament. And the result is shown in chart 11.

  Chart 11 shows that from 130 women who have been interviewed by questionnaire and internet, 25 were supporting the idea of having a parliamentary chairwoman, 20 were backing the election of a female president while remaining 85 were not agreed of such suggestions.

8- The role of Government

When we talk about the obstacles in the way of women’s political participation some common issues as war, poverty, illiteracy … are introduced as the main impediments; but when a research is launched, more key problems emerge. One of these unusual obstructions is governmental policies about women’s political participation which in the most cases its drawbacks are more destructive than years of war and poverty, because the role of government in the development of women’s political rights is very significant and has an axial part in this regard. Based on the interviews, contacts and information collected, we draw your attention to the following issues:

 In first step, we should state that, while referring to documents and evidence regarding the three last years we could not get one decree or declaration in which the obligations of governments are reflected regarding the women’s political participation and could have specific guidelines. We cannot count on establishing Women’s affairs Ministry as an achievement in this domain.

Secondly, at one glance to the governmental organizational structure we could obviously observe the inequality of women, because despite women’s number, experience and competence challenging men’s abilities in each domain, their presence in the very key positions is very limited. Even now when government announces the participation of 46 percent of women’s participation in the presidential election of 2004, the new cabinet does not go beyond the symbolic assignment of women and only few women have been given the opportunity to use their leadership skills.

Thirdly, data shows that Afghanistan does not have a female ambassador to any country and moreover the presence of women in the lower ranks outside the country is 12.5 percent of all the out of frontier governmental staff.

Knowing this issue we can conclude that afghan government up to now has not yet conceived women’s encouragement towards an active political life, and participation as its main objective. This issue in itself can be a big obstacle in women’s political participation. ( the summery of data and figures of this section is present in the Annex 2)

Chapter Three

 Assessment of the Improving Factors for Women Political Participation

 The political role of women, until date, has not been a motivating discussion. Merely, some of the non- government organizations, UN agencies, and media have touched this issue, yet the women of our country (with their required heed and talent they possess) still have had limit participation in this field. you have studied the details in the related historical discussion. It is apparent that the political participation of the women in Afghanistan has been propounded as a Right, Need, and Politics which should not be considered invaluable. Today, women should be involved in Politics. Hence, it is great if this Participation is informing, so we can seek for the required opportunities for its better effectiveness.

At the beginning of the project commencement, our vision towards Assessment of the Women Political Participation Improving Factors Discussion was different, and we were hopeful to provide countless opportunities that Afghan Women have learned in political field, nonetheless, through the assessment of the research results, we found that no required opportunity or as an issue, has been provided to women for their political improvement. The Afghan women, similar to men who have newly entered politics, have been given a little attention. 

Eventually, a part of this discussion was arranged based on the experiences used by women, and the rest of it pertains to an analysis, which we have got from other different discussion as Obstacle discussion and historical documents.

Among six hundred of the interviewed persons, one hundred and seventy two persons were keen to join politics. Thirty of them had played a role in the political affairs and each of them introduced different issues as chance and factors in the aspect of the political participation.

We can see the opportunities, factors, and the degree of their value in the graph beneath.

 It can be clearly seen from the above Graph that having higher education and less number of children plays an important role in women political participation; as from among the 30 active women in politician whom were interviewed; 18 had higher education and 17 had less number of children and independent life, 12 had long time working experience and 7 had high salary.

1. Role of Education in Women Political Participation:

Education is the main and important factor in all affairs of the life, this factor which plays an important role in the world civilization, also plays a crucial role in political participation of women. By using this elements women are able to defend their political rights in the society and could lead their society.

Women defend their political rights in the society and should be leading their political struggles. Researches undertaken in this regards are the indicators of this article. Among thirty political women, eighteen of them were educated. They themselves considered this factor as one of the major opportunity for their activities in political field. As this issue is shown in graph No. 13:

   Among one hundred and seventy women avid in political affairs had different educational backgrounds as shown in the following graph:

 Education teaches a woman that she possesses political rights and can be politician of her society and even throughout the country level and the role of education will be proven  in her political participations in political field. 

 The doors of hopes are opened to the people in the country and majority of the people have realized the harms of illiteracy and have strived and paid

much attention to the women education, which is very effective. Such level of awareness has positive effects on communication campaign periods, as is expressed by Shafiqa Habibi, deputy of Abdul Rashid Dostum, a candidate for the presidential post. She recalls one of her communication campaign memories in which she highlights the role of education as follow:

“It was pleasure and I took pride in meeting and discussing with many women of the country during the campaign, especially, in northern areas, the broadminded and educated women whose number was greater than the number I thought. I couldn’t believe that such women are busy in cultural and social fields and informing women in the northern areas such as Sar-i- Pol and Andkhoi.”

 2- Role of security in Women Political Participation

 The role of security, as a factor in all aspects of human life, is considered exceedingly important. I a well secure situation, all the human attitudes are applied peacefully and all human rights are esteemed and valued.

 Security also has an essential role in women’s political participation since all the human rights can be provided in peaceful situations, particularly, women can start their political activities without any threat and fear. They clarify their policy against the community races that have exploited the political life of women.

The consummate security provides women with opportunity to exercise more political activities among the deprived divisions of the community and give a political concept to the housewives deprived from any good opportunities in life.

Peaceful conditions will provide women the possibilities to travel to remote areas of the country and clarify the people’s minds concerning their political rights.

Security in women political participation is like a fortress which doesn’t allow any conspirator to cross it. From thirty women active in political affairs, twenty two of them are living in the areas which had relatively good security. They considered the security as means of help for the political activities, while eight of them are dissatisfied with the security.  

As we read in one of the interviews “why women rarely participate in politics is due to the lack of security. Women somehow participate in politics in the center, yet many women are threatened in the provinces.” 

Observe the degree of the security as a factor in women’s political participation in graph number 15.

 The upper graph shows the relation between security and political performance of the women. You will see that the number of the political women in areas where security is available is greater than the other areas.

3- Role of Economy in women political participation 

The economic independence has proved its identifying role in women’s political participation in many situations. Even when men continued to control and rule on women, women still helped them to confirm their  position.

The confirmation of this position is necessary for participating in politics, initiating the political activities, candidate as a political leader, organizing the political gatherings and so on.  These factors and capabilities are obtained via education in many communities in access to skills and required specialization.

But in Asia and other countries such as Afghanistan,  this issue pertains to other factors in traditional or informal system in which the issues such as land ownership, asset, and access to inheritance that seem to be got with difficulty and is considered one of the major issues in women’s economy rehabilitation for political participation purpose are involved as well.

 Researches and many programs  have proved, in the last twenty years,  that combination of  economic capability and access to education have played  vital and orbital role in  increasing the awareness level of the women regarding the value of their roles in political participation because the more number of literate women , the more stable the economic status. In addition, their comprehension is greater than common people belief that “politics is the duty of men and they can take this responsibility on behalf of women.”  Few women are ready to leave the political field for men, so men also won’t have any reason to satisfy women that they are not able to work in political field. 

 The political activities still have not been given the basic and required shape. Besides, the real political competitive system and mechanisms have not been created in Afghanistan, nevertheless, it is difficult to nominate, as an independent candidate for the election, and cover the expenditures needed for advertisements and communications with out economic ability.

The women’s political activities are not without  problems in our country, so establishment of access to economic ability will be a good opportunity for women’s political activities. The following graph describes the results of the interviews done with one hundred and eighty nine women avid in political affairs and activities:

 Graph No.16 indicates that among one hundred and eighty nine women, one hundred and thirty nine possessed financial independence, while fifty of them did not.

 4- Role of mass-media in women’s political participation

Mass-media plays a main role in the present human communities, especially, in democratic communities allegorizing democracy and making relationship among people and government. It is obvious that mass-media, as an opening key in the process of democratization of the community, has special and exceptional role.

Role of mass-media in women’s political participations can be named as a major fact either, for mass-media is the best means of public information and it plays a crucial role in clarifying the public minds. 

Taking the identifying role of mass-media into account for motivating women participating in the political activities, we tried to highlight the identifying role of mass-media in developing the women political participation as a major means through assessing number of newspapers and magazines.

The assessment done with Kabul Times within the last six months indicates that a number of newspapers and magazines such as Anis, Hewad, Kabul Weekly and Mursal have published ninety four topics and taken very effective steps in this regards.       

In addition, it is important for women to use the mass-media and magazines as a strong fight for their advertisements and political communications. In this case, they should obtain the required skills regarding their types of utilization. For example, this point is very significant for women to succeed in attracting the attention of media towards their political activities and messages. They will be compelled to pay heed to some other issues such a appearing in the society, behaving, wearing clothes, and their appearances.    

As a result, it can be said that mass- media can play an effective role in strengthening women political participation.

 5. Government Role in Encouraging the Political Presence of Women

Although the government role with regard to the encouragement of political presence of women was pointed out in the previous discussions, we can state that such a role with a slight attention and responsibility can be considered as a principle means towards the encouragement of political participation of women. This issue is reviewed as follows:

 5.1.         Women in the political representations:

Providing that the government in the process of encouraging women’s presence in the political representations outside the country attends to shortcomings discussed in the previous discussion (Chapter three) and co-ordinates such (women’s political) presence, this can be deemed an indispensable condition for the sake of encouraging women’s political participation. In the light of the fact noted above, women with assurance of their presence in the political representations outside the country can be practically involved in politics and carry out necessary activities on behalf of the government. Women can also improve their skills and political knowledge through taking an active part in the political circles outside the country. We cannot ignore the presence of eight women in the political representations outside the country in spite of their very restricted number and should note that women currently working in their given positions should enhance and strengthen their political knowledge and skills through making an effective use of the available opportunities and exertion of their utmost efforts.

   5.2. Women at the cabinet of the government:

   Women’s presence at the cabinet of the government is considered one of the ways for encouraging the women political  Participation in the country. In spite of the very limited number of women in 

   Afghanistan’s cabinet after many years and the unforgettable sacrifices of women during the 18th Meezan 1,383 presidential election, their political role still remains symbolic. The women should use the on-hand opportunity as a useful means and those women who are a part of the cabinet should consider interests of women a priority in forming their policies. They (those women having part at the cabinet) should also function as the basis for increasing the number of women in the upcoming governments' cabinets through utilizing their knowledge and organizing particular programs.

 5.3. Women leaders of offices and shouldering leading positions.

 Having leadership of the offices and shouldering leading positions is surely one of their important opportunities encouraging women's political participation in the country. The ability of leading an office itself plays an important role in strengthening and improving women's skills. Additionally, women leading offices can improve skills of leadership and decision – making through formulating policies and programs in addition to contacting other national and international agencies.

 6.  Women's role in the parliament:

 Parliament is the greatest organ that represents people's administration and organizes and formulates programs and policies. Women's presence at the parliament is of great essence. On the other hand, it is still more essential that women improve their skills through participating in the parliament. The government's role in this particular part is considered even more important. It is the government's responsibility to pave the possible way for improving opportunities regarding development of women's skills through which they can take part in the parliament.

 7. Religion and Political Rights of Women

 By the advent of Islam, the holy religion, the rights of women with the particulars were highlighted in human history since women were given the same rights in which show that men and women have the same rights. In Islam, those who get to continence position where angels worship them and there is no difference in complexion, race, and gender either, are the best people in front of God.

God, almighty, says in this verse of holy Quraan (the Holy Book) Translation:

“Hey people! I created u from male and female and divided you into nations and tribes so that you know each another. Without any doubt, before God, the dearest is the one who is pious.”

Islam is the complete religion, which gives women a new life. Women were set free from deprivation and compulsion. They have got the skill and some of them are more advanceed than men.  

“Al- Quraan considers woman a human with all specialties, talents and powers required by human.”

“Pious men and women have preference upon one another. They invite to beneficence and stop from ill gotten. They offer their prayers and obey God and his Messenger. God will succeed them. God knows.”

 By presenting all these reasons, we can say that women can also actively participate in political issues, political decisions, and can carry on political affairs.

In this regard, Imam Khumaini, late king of Iran, has said “In Islamic system, women have the same rights that men posses , the right to get education, work, ownership, voting, vote receiving, and any aspect where men has the right, woman has too. But things which create corruption are prohibited both for men and women. Islam wants that the man and woman prestige be kept.

 A verse of Al- Quraan says: “Hey messenger! If women, who follow you, will not share any one with God, thieve, commit adultery, kill their children, and will not attribute their children to their late so-called fathers, accept their allegiance and ask God for their remission because God is alive and kind.” 

This verse which is about the allegiance and harmony of women was sent during the establishment of Islamic Government period of the messenger and on the day when Mekkah was conquered. When messenger finished accepting allegiance of men, women came to messenger and wanted the messenger to accept their allegiance meanwhile this verse, which accepted the political participation of women, was sent.

 Taking the sayings into account, we can say that women can participate in political affairs of the country, and their role should not be ignored in government political decisions. Therefore, it can be said that religion of Islam is one of the best means for women’s political partnership, and women of the country can utilize these guidelines efficiently for strengthening the Islamic knowledge. 

 8- Role of legislation in women political participation   

When we talk about the women political partnership in Afghanistan, the major and valuable topic to know is the range of facilities that the laws have provided for the women political participation. The legislation was commenced in Afghanistan through the issuance of the constitution of the Afghanistan Government in the year of 1301, yet the presence of women in legislation happened later on and it has been mentioned in initial discussions. What we want to discuss are the laws which, fortunately, have formerly distinguished the parity of man and woman and treating their rights from the beginning. All constitutions of Afghanistan have described this point in different way.   

 For example, we point out some of them here as follow:        

 1- The article nineteen in the constitution of Afghanistan describes:    

“All Afghan citizens are bound on religious affairs and political systems and possess their own independent rights.”

 The word, Citizens, covers all men and women. It means he  or she who has  Afghan Citizenship.

 2- It has been said in article ten of constitution of Afghanistan that “all Afghan citizens are bound on religious affairs and political systems and possess their own independence rights.”

 3- The phrase for establishing political parties has been mentioned in article thirty two of the 1343 constitution which says “citizens of Afghanistan have to right to establish political organizations according to the rules of the law.”

 4- The citizens of Afghanistan including men and women have the  equal rights and obligations without taking the ethnic, race, language, religion, political concept, education, profession, social position, residence location.

Codification of the above article and participation of women in the historical Loya Jirga in 1366 provided the opportunity for the improvement and eminency of women and there is no discrimination between men and women. Women can struggle and go head side by side of men.

 5- The article twenty of the constitution in 1382 has mentioned: 

Any kind of discrimination and privilege prohibited among Afghan citizens. Afghan citizens including men and women have the equal rights against the law.

6- According to article thirty five of the 1382 constitution, women like men can establish organizations and carry out their political activities. By using the legislative guidelines and getting information through the documentation, these rights themselves are considered valuable improving opportunity for the country women in the constitution, especially, in the current constitution (1382) of the country. They not only get their political rights, but also contribute other women in this field.        

  9- Role of the public concept in the women political participation     

 As it was mentioned before a general discussion was done about the role of women as head of parliament and other issues relevant to this report. As a result, it is interesting to pay attention to some of them from point of views.

     Can a woman as a head of the parliament make a change?

A: the change made here is not a small and ordinary change. It is a symbolic change.

           B: it can make a change in stable culture on the parliament. It will have more courage for women and men will observe the culture and rules of the parliament. 

 C: Besides, presence of in the directorate of parliament can change the environment of the parliament; can completely stabilize the justice there, give women the same rights men have, strengthen the women position and their confidence, and can extensively be utilized as a motive in developing their participation in politics, elections, and nomination for other women.

 D: if women are given chance and motivated, they can become a president or head of the parliament as women in our country worked on different posts such Minister, director, and administrator and they were successful in their duties. We dare to say when women can run the ministry, so they can run the government and lead the nation  too.  

 E: this is the change because women will have equal rights as men have and play better roles in political development. The rights of women will be abused in lower rate. The people will listen to their complaints. Finally, women will be able to participate in making national and international decisions actively.

Chapter four

Conclusion and Recommendations

 4.1. Conclusion:

 Our research shows clearly that women’s political equality before men has a symbolic aspect.  Until the women political movement turns true when it is self- motivating, competitive, organized, grouping, and based on suitable and special ideology. If we claim the responsibility of  history making and be founder of the political modernization in our nation history, the only means which can confirm the role and position of women in political history are socialization, concept of freedom, equality and women political participation. But there are various factors which have caused stopping the women political partnership and they are discussed as follow:    

 1. Politics has been mixed with policies and values in many situations. Sometimes women consider themselves unfamiliar and separated from them. Eventually, they think that politics is the topic which merely belongs to men. As a result of the mentioned concept, women decide to constrain themselves in aspect of politics or carry out their activities as men do.

2.  Another discussable issue is the current and continuous political system which has been known as a dirty and deceptive game and it makes women take decision to not intervene it.

3. Beside the above mentioned factors, there are other factors which have been highlighted in our research. For instance, the unpopular traditions, lack of information, literacy, and security, poor economy, living in remote rural areas, shared life and having big family, are considered the main obstacles for women political partnership. Consequently, to change the way men and women think is possible when we stop talking about the problems and obstacles available on the way for women reaching to political partnership. We should highlight the things through via which a few women could use to enter the politics. And here we count the opportunities as follow:

 1. Political campaign combat and participation of any group and party have a direct relation with their economy. Thus, economy has a very effective role on participation of the individuals and coordinates them regarding their political campaign as well as facilitates their tasks.

2. Higher education is also considered one of the suitable and required chances for women political participation. Those who have higher qualifications can easily pass this precipice.

3. Security has as well the basic role in women political participation since the human rights can be protected only by providing security. Particularly, women can start their political activities without any fear and threat 

4. In addition to the above mentioned real factors, we have clarified some sub- factors such as living in the city and having a small and independent family which help women to increase in their avidity in political affairs or participate practically.  

 4.2. Suggestions:

 Although women seem more hopeful and confident in political participation, we should briefly remember that there are a lot of things to be done to attain the target. These activities are discussed as follow:   

 A: On the government level:

1. Identification of individuals and establishment of the committee which evaluate the policy of the parties from the women’s point of view, women rights and presents specific outlines.

2. Revision and assessment of the rules and regulations related to the elections inside the parties and on the nationwide in order to guarantee the equal participation without any discrimination. To provide the required facilities for the establishment of the women section way that can be effective for capacity building and in securing self respect.

 3. Strengthening the capacity building of women is something essential. To make this wish true, it is necessary to establish an institution or committee. The following points should be taught about this institution:

      1.     Skill in talking

2.     Political sciences

3.     History and Geography of Afghanistan

4.     Computer

5.     Counseling diplomatic rights

6.     Command over one of the international language

7.     The way how to wear clothes, and make up etc

8.     The world famous election campaigns

9.     Ways and procedures of the communicating campaign

4. Providing the transportation facilities for those women interested in political affairs and living in remote areas.

5. Providing living facilities fro those women living in populated and poor families.

  B: National and International Institutions 

 1. The institutions, which help in preceding the women election campaign should be established, motivated and generalized.

2. The role of parties, institutions, civil community, particularly, the agencies and women organizations are considered very efficient for establishing the contributive networks to the political women, especially, to the women have partnership in election. These institutions should listen to the voice of political women and resolve their need and help them.

3. Giving information via workshops, films and dramas is considered significant for those people who consider politics the profession of men.

 C: Political Parties

      1.     Political parties should include the easy conditions in their platform for accepting women.

2.     Providing the required facilities for establishing women section in the parties in way that is effective for capacity building and securing self respect.