Gender inequality in Afghanistan

Gender inequality is a significant problem in Afghanistan, with women and girls often facing discrimination and violence. This is due, in part, to traditional gender roles and societal norms that prioritize men over women.

According to the World Economic Forum's 2021 Global Gender Gap Report, Afghanistan ranks 150 out of 156 countries in terms of gender equality. This is due to a number of factors, including a lack of access to education and employment opportunities for women, as well as a high prevalence of child marriage and maternal mortality.

Women in Afghanistan also face significant barriers to political participation. In the 2019 parliamentary elections, just 18% of the candidates were women, and only 27% of the seats in the Afghan parliament are held by women.

Violence against women is also a major issue in Afghanistan. According to a 2018 report by the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission, there was a 20% increase in violence against women in the country over the previous year. This includes physical, sexual, and psychological violence, as well as forced marriage and forced prostitution.

Efforts to address gender inequality in Afghanistan have been made, including the adoption of the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls Law in 2009. However, implementation and enforcement of this and other laws aimed at protecting women's rights remains a challenge.

One factor contributing to gender inequality in Afghanistan is the lack of access to education for girls. According to UNICEF, only 36% of Afghan girls are enrolled in primary school, and just 15% are enrolled in secondary school. This is due, in part, to cultural beliefs that prioritize boys' education over girls' education, as well as logistical barriers such as a lack of schools and transportation. This lack of education limits women's opportunities and contributes to the overall gender gap in Afghanistan.

Another issue contributing to gender inequality in Afghanistan is the high prevalence of child marriage. According to the Afghan Ministry of Women's Affairs, nearly 60% of girls in Afghanistan are married before the age of 18. Child marriage often results in girls dropping out of school and being unable to pursue further education or employment opportunities. It also puts girls at risk of physical and sexual violence within marriage, as well as maternal mortality due to early pregnancies.

In addition to these issues, women in Afghanistan also face discrimination in the workplace. According to the World Bank, women make up just 16% of the formal labor force in Afghanistan. This is due, in part, to cultural and societal norms that discourage women from working outside the home, as well as a lack of access to education and training opportunities. This limits women's economic independence and contributes to the overall gender gap in Afghanistan.

Overall, gender inequality in Afghanistan is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive approach to address. This includes efforts to improve access to education for girls, combat child marriage, and increase women's participation in the workforce, as well as efforts to enforce laws and policies that protect women's rights and address violence against women. Overall, significant progress is needed in order to address gender inequality in Afghanistan and ensure that women and girls have the same opportunities as men.

References:

• World Economic Forum. (2021). 2021 Global Gender Gap Report. Retrieved from https://www.weforum.org/reports/the-global-gender-gap-report-2021
• Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission. (2018). Annual Report on the Situation of Human Rights in Afghanistan. Retrieved from http://www.aihrc.org.af/english/publication/annual-report/
• Afghanistan Ministry of Women's Affairs. (n.d.). Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls Law. Retrieved from http://www.mowa.gov.af/En/Page/9/Elimination-of-Violence-Against-Women-and-Girls-Law