The United Nations estimates that 5,000 women die from honor killings every year (Crocker). This practice is a direct result of the following practices: discrimination against women and children (Bhatia), the traditions of caste systems, the patriarchal mindset, as well as an inborn belief in male dominance and superiority over females (Blood). An example of this “superiority” is the belief that that women should not be allowed to have certain jobs outside the house. The “socially circumscribed and male determined roles” that are unavailable to women are believed to be a necessity to maintain the social order (Blood). When women begin to show signs of being "uncontrolled" (such as applying for jobs believed to be "unfit for women"), men perceive this as a dangerous act that could potentially lead to societal collapse (Blood). But if there is already inequality throughout the country of Afghanistan (as well as other countries with this issue), then hasn’t society already collapsed by violating human rights and treating individuals unequally over something as insignificant as marriage rights and work rights?
Although women should be entitled to rights equal to those of men when it comes to making decisions in their personal lives, they are treated as if they have no say. Decision are made by the fathers, brothers, and husbands, and any challenge to their decisions is perceived as a “challenge” to the family, values and their culture (Bhatia). One common topic for disagreement is the subject of their marriage of a man from a different caste. The idea of a woman marrying below her caste is said to bring dishonor to the family because it is she decreases her family’s status in society. The family is “responsible for axing their daughter”, meaning death caused by her father or brother (Bhatia). The Afghan government is stealing a woman’s right to control her marriage, her job, her body; they are stealing her right to life.
Activists sometimes blame corruption, the carelessness of police forces, and the “growing atmosphere of impunity” as the cause of this problem (Blood). But these are not causes, they are unfortunate effects of these human rights violations.
Although women should be entitled to rights equal to those of men when it comes to making decisions in their personal lives, they are treated as if they have no say. Decision are made by the fathers, brothers, and husbands, and any challenge to their decisions is perceived as a “challenge” to the family, values and their culture (Bhatia). One common topic for disagreement is the subject of their marriage of a man from a different caste. The idea of a woman marrying below her caste is said to bring dishonor to the family because it is she decreases her family’s status in society. The family is “responsible for axing their daughter”, meaning death caused by her father or brother (Bhatia). The Afghan government is stealing a woman’s right to control her marriage, her job, her body; they are stealing her right to life.
Activists sometimes blame corruption, the carelessness of police forces, and the “growing atmosphere of impunity” as the cause of this problem (Blood). But these are not causes, they are unfortunate effects of these human rights violations.