Shakira Bakhtari, an Afghan lawyer and advocate for family violence prevention, says that while the country is experiencing relative peace, Afghan women are far from enjoying its benefits due to severe restrictions imposed by the Taliban.
Traditional local councils, or jirgas, remain crucial in resolving local disputes, particularly over affairs like land, marriage dowries, and conflicts between families. “In the past, there were significant disputes when a boy from a Taliban family was supposed to marry a girl whose father worked for the previous government. It took months of gathering people and holding discussions, but eventually, the issue was resolved through the jirga.” However, women in Afghanistan are still trapped by severe restrictions. “We are limited,” Bakhtari. says. “Even though there is relative peace, women can’t work or leave their homes. We want peace so we can go out, work, and serve our people… we feel like we can’t do anything.”
According to Bakhtari, without women’s participation, society suffers. “It’s stressful. Families generate less income, and it’s like an aircraft flying with only one wing—it will fall soon. Peace alone can’t put bread on the table. Many families have lost their male breadwinners in war, and now women need to step up to support them,” she explains. However, one of the most significant challenges for women is the requirement to have a mahram, a male guardian, to travel or work. “We can’t go to the office… It is a place of capacity building” Bakhtari recounts receiving warnings for traveling without a mahram within 75 kilometers. Under current regulations, women must have a male guardian, or mahram, if they travel more than 75 kilometers (46 miles) or leave the country. Additionally, if a woman violates the dress code, her male relatives may be subject to penalties. “So many women are left without a mahram, and even if the office they work for provides a separate accommodation, it’s still a problem. Those who travel are stopped and questioned.”
For Bakhtari, the notion of peace is hollow if women are trapped at home. “If I’m confined to my house, peace doesn’t mean anything to me as an Afghan woman. This peace is wasting our time,” she laments. “We need to be able to use this peace—to work and go to school. The government must tackle these internal problems.”
As Bakhtari and countless other Afghan women struggle to find their place in a country that claims to be at peace, the question remains: Is it truly peace if half the population is left behind?
Amanullah Ludin, an Afghan writer based in Toronto, Canada, has dedicated his work to exploring themes of peace and stability in Afghanistan. He believes that the stability and well-being of societies depend on achieving and maintaining national peace.
Ludin stresses the importance of international efforts in guiding nations toward peace. “International efforts are very important in assisting and directing nations toward peace,” he states, noting that international principles can serve as valuable tools in the pursuit of peace. By implementing them, “countries can reap the benefits of their significance and direction, ultimately aiding in the achievement of peace.”
However, Ludin cautions that merely referencing international principles is not enough to create and sustain long-term peace. He argues that “it is paramount to make the most of some positive aspects of traditional practices that local populations understand and can consider as their own.” For example, he highlights the importance of community gatherings in resolving disputes and fostering peace. “Thanks to these traditional practices, people feel they are part of the decision-making process, develop a sense of ownership about the adopted strategies, and will most likely actively engage in the process of promoting peace,” Ludin explains.
These bottom-up approaches, he believes, are “one concrete way to acknowledge every Afghan citizen.”
Afghanistan’s Path to Social Peace
According to Mohammad Khalid, a former deputy at the Afghanistan High Peace Council, peace can be divided into two aspects: political peace and social peace.
Since the Taliban’s takeover on August 15, 2021, Afghanistan has experienced a semblance of peace, but Khalid argues that it’s far from complete. He notes that the previous government and the National Peace Council failed to unify the country, partly due to foreign interference. Khalid believes that Afghanistan’s journey to achieving lasting social peace is far from over.
He argues that Western models of peace are not suitable for Afghanistan’s unique cultural and social context. “Afghanistan needs a peace module that is uniquely its own, designed to bridge the gaps and heal the divisions within our country and its deprived people.”
Humayoon Babur
Humayoon Babur is a dedicated freelance journalist with a Master’s degree in International Development. Over many years, he has covered a wide array of crucial topics, including conflict, peacebuilding, social development, and climate change. His work is known for its depth and insight, often focusing on the complex interplay between these issues and their impact on vulnerable communities.
Humayoon has reported extensively from regions experiencing war and political unrest, bringing attention to stories that are often overlooked. He is passionate about amplifying the voices of those affected by conflict, aiming to shed light on the human experience behind the headlines. His reporting not only addresses the immediate consequences of violence but also explores the long-term challenges these regions face, particularly in terms of development and environmental sustainability. Beyond his writing, Humayoon is actively involved in the intersection of policy and advocacy, using his journalism to influence public understanding and drive meaningful change. His work is marked by a commitment to uncovering the truth and providing a platform for marginalized voices. As a seasoned journalist, Humayoon continues to contribute valuable perspectives on some of the world’s most pressing issues.
