August 2009
'The Sex Law' may have been watered down but forced marriage, domestic violence and rape still define life for most Afghan women. Now a fledgling women's rights movement is determined ...
August 2009
'The Sex Law' may have been watered down but forced marriage, domestic violence and rape still define life for most Afghan women. Now a fledgling women's rights movement is determined to change that legacy. It's more than 8 years since the Taliban ruled Herat but for many women here, life has barely changed. In this refuge called Voice of Women, Suraya tries to combat the abuse of women under President Karzai. 'Forced and child marriage has not reduced since 2001. Its still a common practice' says Suraya. For those not lucky enough to make it to her shelter, prison is the alternative. Young girls are charged with running away from home and adultery. 'Here rape is considered adultery' reveals Suraya. 12 year old Nadia says she 'doesnt know how to live' anymore after being raped and charged with adultery. Earlier this year President Karzai passed a law stopping women from going out without men, restricted their power of divorce and enforced sex at least every four days. He reviewed the law after local and international pressure. But for those brave enough to fight for women's rights, the stakes are getting higher - the Taliban are targeting and assassinating activists. 'I would like to suffer today for women's rights' says Suraya. Will the womens rights movement be able to turn the democratic process to their advantage?
Produced by SBS, distributed by Journeyman Pictures
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the war lords....if they kill the woman...they should realise that there will be another woman who is brave enough to take her place god bless ya, Suraya
I refuse to blame Islam for the crimes endured by women and children. Fundamentalism is the answer to that problem. As I understand it, each of the tribes within Afghanistan has it's own community/tribe rules of conduct. Interesting to note that the Hazara tribe are descended from the troops left behind by Genghis Khan so many years ago. There is an answer to this grave problem and I will continue to search and listen, to watch and learn until I have something of value to offer. Peace to All
@HerLaydee - you are gravely mistaken. Abuse of women is amply supported by Muslim belief. Proof? Muhammed The "Perfect" Prophet is the standard by which EVERY serious Muslim measures themselves. Muhammed married his favorite wife, Aisha, when she was only 6 and slept with her at age 9. Your assertion that only fundamentalists commit such atrocities in untrue. Muhammed was such a "Fundamentalist" and is revered by EVERY devoted Muslim.
How can these males ( I won't call them men)live with themselves. Women and children are to be cherished. That they are abused and mistreated is proof that ugly-spirited men are pretending to speak for God. But, they will not escape the consequences, if not in this life, then the next, of the evil they do.
Islam is a fraud. God has nothing to do with Islam.
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god bless ya, Suraya
Islam is a fraud. God has nothing to do with Islam.