Islamic Emirate: Women’s Rights in Islamic, Western Culture ‘Different’
On the occasion of March 8, International Women’s Day, the Islamic Emirate has emphasized the protection of women’s rights within the framework of Islamic rulings.
According to Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, the rights of Afghan women in an Islamic society differ from those in Western countries.
Hamdullah Fitrat, deputy spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, stated in an audio message regarding women’s rights: “Based on Islamic law and the traditions and customs of Afghan society, all fundamental rights of Afghan women are ensured. However, it should not be forgotten that we discuss women’s rights within an Islamic and Afghan society, which has clear differences from Western society and its culture.”
March 8, International Women’s Day, was observed worldwide with the slogan of rights, equality, and empowerment for all women and girls.
Tafsir Siyahpush, a women’s rights activist, told “In the sacred religion of Islam, every day is Women’s Day. As we know, March 8 marks the struggle of women in the early 20th century for their rights—just as we, Afghan women, are fighting for our rights today. Hopefully, this will receive attention.”
Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai, along with several United Nations agencies, including UNESCO, the Food and Agriculture Organization, and the UN Women division, as well as Amnesty International, have stressed their support for Afghan women’s rights.
In a statement, the office of the former president stated: “Hamid Karzai considers the present and future of Afghanistan to require the meaningful participation of women alongside men in all sectors. He emphasizes that for this to happen, opportunities for women’s progress and participation should be provided, and access to education for girls must be ensured.”
The Ministry of Virtue and Vice also referred to a decree by the leader of the Islamic Emirate regarding women’s rights, stating that tribal elders, officials, and religious scholars are responsible for ensuring women’s rights, including dowry, inheritance, and consent in marriage.
