Why are Taliban women treated the way they are? How did it all start?
http://www.now.org/issues/global/afghanwomen1.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taliban_treatment_of_women
http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/6185.htm
Thank you!
The treatment of women under Taliban rule is a complex issue with deep-rooted cultural, historical, and ideological factors. Understanding the origins of these practices requires examining the historical context of Afghanistan and the rise of the Taliban.
The Taliban is an Islamic fundamentalist group that emerged in the early 1990s during the Afghan Civil War. The group gained control over large parts of Afghanistan in the mid-1990s, imposing a strict interpretation of Sharia law. Under Taliban rule, women faced severe restrictions and were deprived of basic rights and freedoms.
It's important to note that not all Afghans or Muslims share the Taliban's views on women. The treatment of women by the Taliban is influenced by their interpretation of Islamic law coupled with cultural practices prevalent in parts of Afghanistan.
The Taliban's treatment of women is rooted in a patriarchal perspective that values male dominance and control. They believe that women should be confined to the private sphere and be subject to male authority, including male family members.
The restrictions imposed on women by the Taliban are aimed at ensuring adherence to their interpretation of Islamic law. They enforce strict dress codes, such as the mandatory wearing of a burqa, in public spaces. Women are often prevented from working outside the home, pursuing education, and participating in public life. Female mobility is significantly restricted, and they are often subjected to severe punishments for alleged violations of the Taliban's rules.
The Taliban's rise to power in the 1990s was fueled by political instability, civil war, and international influences. Following the Soviet-Afghan War, Afghanistan plunged into a period of instability, with different factions vying for control. The Taliban gained support by promising stability, security, and a return to traditional Islamic values.
It is essential to understand that the status of women in Afghanistan has varied significantly throughout history, and there are constructive cultural and historical examples that counter the Taliban's perspective. For instance, Afghan women had more rights and freedoms in the years preceding the Taliban's rule, including access to education and participation in public life.
It's crucial to recognize that the treatment of women by the Taliban is not representative of the views of all Muslims or Afghans. Islamic teachings and interpretations vary widely across countries, regions, and individuals. Many Muslims around the world and within Afghanistan reject the Taliban's interpretation of Islam and advocate for gender equality and women's rights.