The Rights of Women in Afghanistan - Human Rights Abuse

“Pride and dignity would belong to women if only men would leave them alone.” - Egyptian Proverb

The stark reality is this…

A woman is imprisoned for twelve years in Afghanistan because she was raped. As if that wasn't outrageous enough; she might be released if she marries her attacker! However, the attacker and the attacker's family might kill her or worse, her own family because they all have been shamed. How bizarre is that?

Her crime? She was raped and that is considered a crime in Afghanistan. It doesn’t seem to matter if it wasn’t her choice. Their society turns a deaf ear to common logic.

Since when is a victim to be blamed for the crime? Apparently, in some cultures this is logical. To me it is not… it is downright insane. This is criminal behaviour towards a victim and it is sanctioned by an entire society. In fact, this kind of bizarre attitude is sanctioned by many societies in the world... It is a very sick world.

Political correctness aside, this is human rights issue. Afghanistan is just one country of many on this planet that to this day are woefully behind in equal rights for women. Such cultures are, in fact, still in the stone- age in this day and age. It is a disgrace to civilization period.

There are far too many people that think half of the human race must be treated this way or worse. How can any civilization worth their salt even "try to pretend" they are advanced with their women living in such conditions?

Since the story of Gulnaz being imprisoned for being raped has become known, there has been a public outcry and groups have been advocating for this unfortunate woman's release.

The result? Lip service was accomplished.

As of December 2, 2011, this woman, known only as Gulnaz, has been pardoned by Afghan's president, Karzai from her 12 year sentence. That sounds like a victory, except the understanding is, she still has to marry her attacker, in order to integrate back into her society… since marriage apparently is the only way to redeem herself.

Sound stupid? You bet.

That society needs change. There is no redeeming value in a barbaric practice no matter what that society thinks.

North Americans live in a society where even criminals are treated better. It is inconceivable to think our society would act that way toward the victim of a crime. In fact, it is downright criminal to us.

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Leymah Gbowee, Tawakkul Karman have accepted the Nobel Peace Prize for 2011. The fact is, these three women are all from repressed countries where women do not have eqal rights. Hopefully, this is a sign humanity is becoming aware how widespread lack of women's rights are in this world we call home . Emancipating women to fully functioning members of their society is seen as being key to acheiving world peace. Cultures that practice violence and deny rights to their own women cannot participate honestly in any peace process. They just do not have the fundamental understanding of what peace is when they don't practice it in their own homes!

I applaud this nomination and these brave women. If you have the opportunity I urge you to listen to Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's acceptance speech. It speaks volumes on just how much a struggle womens rights have been over the world, including right here in North America.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee has honored these three women "for their nonviolent struggle for the safety of women and for women's rights to full participation in peace-building work." The prize committee recognizes "We cannot achieve democracy and lasting peace in the world unless women obtain the same opportunities as men to influence developments at all levels of society,"

references: associated press and:

http://www.thespec.com/news/world/article/605340--ellen-johnson-sirleaf-leymah-gbowee-tawakkul-karman-win-nobel-peace-prize

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I have worked for a culturally diverse company in Toronto. This was terrific experience learning about other customs and beliefs, except for one glaring fact. I am saddened to relate I worked with some men who had immigrated from repressive societies; they had no respect for their women or for women in North America. I heard their opinions and commentary first hand. They had immigrated with their bad attitudes undiminished to this free and respecting society of ours. I had many occasions to be appalled by their callous attitudes.

These people are the kind of men who think fathers have a reason for killing a daughter that dishonors them and dishonor is a loose term for whatever offends their sensibilities. I heard those men defend their own kind when far too many of these crimes against daughters happened over the years . The news reports are many, it isn't a figment of anyone's imagination.

At the time of this original writing there was a trial going on in Kingston. A man and his family from Afghanistan, on trial for drowning a first wife and three daughters because it is alleged the daughter's were shaming him. The youngest daughter was just thirteen.

Is pride such a valuable commodity that justifies murder?

“Pride and conceit were the original sins of man.” - Alain Rene Lesage

“Pride is seldom delicate; it will please itself with very mean advantages.”- Samuel Johnson

These crimes are prosecuted in Canada, since we are more civilized. The criminals remain haughty in their righteousness rarely expressing remorse. This family was convicted on first degree murder on all accounts.

What makes a society…and I mean both men and the women condone this kind of attitude? Lack of love growing up? Fear of reprisal ? No one dares speak up ?

I am heartened to see the world is changing…democracy is coming; slowly and painfully the young are paving the way because anyone with a brain knows enslaving or maiming another is just wrong… and criminal…just ask the people of Eygpt, Libya and Syria.

They may not get it right immediately, but it is abundantly clear, societies are waking up and saying enough of repression. My heart goes out to all Syrians, who are struggling (both men and women). I wish heartily that repression of every kind would end forever.

Hopefully, the rights of women are addressed in their new reforms.

However, will Gulnaz and her daughter ever find real justice? The 60 million dollar question is how many more millions of Gulnaz’ are there throughout the world?

Violence, unequality and hatred towards women must stop. It is just that plain and simple. Men have to step up to the plate in each country and stand up for women's rights.

Footnote: December 14, 2011. The woman named Gulnaz has been given an unconditional pardon and at this time there is no condition that she has to marry her attacker. This is being currently reported by news sources. She is reportedly safe. One small step for humanity.

Reference for quotes:

http://www.finestquotes.com/select_quote-category-Pride-page-1.htm#ixzz1fRkIOIvS

Reference for article

hhttp://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2016910807_afghanrape02.htmlttp://www.finestquotes.com/select_quote-category-Pride-page-1.htm#ixzz1fRkIOIvS

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2011/10/2011103887482377.html

"An independent political/social organization of Afghan women fighting for human rights and for social justice in Afghanistan. The founders were a number of Afghan woman intellectuals under the sagacious leadership of Meena ." http://www.rawa.org/rawa.html

March 11, 2012

It is a sad day when an American soldier has gone on a rampage and killed women and children in the night in Afghanistan. These were defenseless civilians. This is just absolutely insane. So sad and senseless.