Afghanistan: Women in Afghanistan: Pawns in men's power struggles

Afghanistan: Women in Afghanistan: Pawns in men's power struggles

Index Number: ASA 11/011/1999
Date Published: 1 November 1999
Categories: Afghanistan, Asia And The Pacific, South Asia

This document examines the effect of two decades of armed conflict on women's rights. From 1979 to 1995 many women were arbitrarily killed or sexually assaulted by the various armed groups struggling for power. From 1995 onwards the Taleban forces have imposed severe restrictions on women's freedom of expression. Movement has been restricted and segregation of the sexes has lead to a denial of adequate health care. The document looks at the implications this discriminatory treatment has on international relief efforts.