Afghan Women Fearful of Rights Regression

The majority of Afghan women fear the return of the Taliban should NATO leave the country, a survey has reported.

Action Aid, the aid agency that commissioned the survey, announced 86% of the 1000 female participants cited the regression of recent women’s rights progress as their main concern.  

However, women have suffered a steady decline into old traditions for the past three years, claims Action Aid, a champion of women's rights.

“Although it is true that women are enjoying more freedom and better education, women are being pushed out of negotiations when it comes to making decisions for the country,” said AA’S Jane Moyo, head of media relations officer for Action Aid.  

Moyo continued: “It is not a coincidence that 70% of those below the poverty line globally are women. We believe women’s rights are imperative for a country’s development and so we fully support Dr Masouda Jalal’s Presidential candidacy.”

Afghanistan has made significant progress since the 2001 invasion drove the suppressive Taliban regime from government, particularly in urban areas. Women are now allowed to leave the house without the company of a man and 2.7 million girls are now enrolled at school.

However, Action Aid warn these gains are not irreversible and are concerned for the welfare of outspoken advocates for women’s rights, should the Taliban regain control.