(MENAFN- Daily Outlook Afghanistan) Based on repeatedreports or rumors which circulated in social media networks in recent months,there is a growing concerns about women unsafe work environment in Afghanistan.Although some of the reports might be baseless rumors and have certainpolitical purposes, it certainly impacts on public opinion, and so manyfamilies may lose their confidence about women work environment in the country.When rumors release about women work environment, it is obvious that peoplethink a large parts of the problems are still underground and not disclosed dueto traditional considerations in the country. Thus, people may think that it ishard for women to reveal and file a formal complaint against such harassmentowing to personal considerations and the question of their dignity in thecommunity, and so women will be subject to more restrictions.
In modern era, though the government has mademultiple legislative document including: the Law on the Elimination of Violenceagainst Women, the Law on the Prevention of Women and Children harassment andthe Strategy for Protection of Women and so on. These are enough legaldocuments approved to support women but the main problem is that the case of women harassment is not officiallyregistered, even though, everyone is aware that a major part of our communityare still harassed in the public arena including family, educationalinstitutions, work places and also on the streets. This is the fact that no onecan deny at all.
When we talk aboutwomen unsafe work Environment in Afghanistan, this never means that no changeshave occurred in women's life in Afghanistan. if we compare the currentcondition to the Taliban era when women as half of population had a Zeroparticipation in social life, it has increased more than 25% in civil servantsand also security sectors while playing important role in all areas. But it isexpected that this participation should be free of all types of harassment andjob environmental annoyance. In addition to government supports, the courageand resistance of women and girls are also important. Experience has shown ifwomen themselves do not fight against the culture of cruelty and do notseriously react against harassment, especially sexual harassment, theunfavorable situation will never change.
It is true thatwomen are the most vulnerable people in all human societies, especially in poorand underprivileged countries; but the determination of women and girls todefend their rights and secure their legitimate demands are important.Moreover, institutionalization of women's rights and dignity requires publicendeavor and women educational empowerment. Maintaining the dignity and rightsof women alongside men is definitely in the interest of society and will bringabout social and human development. It is hoped the mutual efforts ofgovernment and courageous women may change the situation and we see the truefreedom of women in our county.
It is worth tomention that the women braveness and self-defense never negates theresponsibility of governments. The government needs to observe it in their ownway, and this is a sign of democracy and the provision of human rights indemocratic systems. Without doubt, the merely written legal documents are notenough and require necessary mechanism and coordination among all the relevantorgans. Otherwise, the existing problems will remain challenging. Thus, properopportunities and capacities for women in government and non-governmentalagencies will not be provided. Problems in the field of education and training,employment in government and non-governmental organizations, and participationin all social and political activities of women will remain unresolved; as aresult, the real freedom and safe environment for women will not be provided.
As woman forms halfof Afghan society, their positive role is not deniable in social and economicalactivities. Neglecting women role and women rights will make their effectiveabilities disappear and their talents not flourish. Therefore, it is necessaryto provide more supportive opportunities in the field of women's and girls'educational, managerial and political participation. Providing equalopportunities to women and considering their role in development of thecountry, will promote human development and progress in society; while theirdeprivation, they will deprive the community of their ability.
To fight againstwomen harassment in the community, especially in public and privateadministrations there is need for specific mechanism appropriate with socialcontexts of the country. The government is responsible to pursue appropriatepolicy against the issues. The Afghan national constitution explicitly statesthat 'Afghan citizens, including women and men, are equally entitled to equalrights and obligation against law. Inaddition, the penal code, legal regulations and strategy for the protection ofwomen's rights in the agencies, in particular the strategy of women economicrights and occupational safety and its implementation is considered necessaryin various participatory fields, especially women's economic activities.
Similarly, womenhave a specifics rights and status in Afghan culture such as dowry rights,legacy rights, education rights, work rights and so on. Unfortunately, the menreligious scholars do not fulfill their responsibilities to highlights theserights on the basis of domestic values and culture which is acceptable for alllayers of the society. Many men may feel uneasy when their wife asks her dowryrights or legacy rights because they are unaware of these women's rights.Therefore, these issues of women should be more highlighted as it has importantinfluence on mass of the people. To end with, women rights are human rightseveryone should take part for establishment of a safe work environment forwomen.
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