Tarz Press: In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly designated October 15 as the “International Day of Rural Women” to honor the pivotal role of rural women in family economies, agricultural development, food security, and the fight against poverty. Since 2008, this day has been celebrated to recognize their significant contributions. Furthermore, the UN resolution encourages nations to collaborate with international organizations and civil society to improve the living conditions of rural women.
However, the reality for Afghan rural women remains dire. Not only are they not formally acknowledged on such occasions, but they continue to face immense challenges and deprivations. These women, as one of the central pillars of household economies, play an indispensable role in everyday life.
Economic Role of Afghan Rural Women
Afghan rural women are the primary providers for their families, engaging in various economic activities, including:
1.Livestock Farming:
Many rural women are responsible for tending to family livestock. Their day starts with milking cows and goats and feeding the animals. Dairy products not only meet the family’s nutritional needs but are also sold to generate income.
2.Poultry Farming:
Raising chickens and collecting eggs are other primary activities. This provides both a food source and cash income, contributing to their financial independence.
3.Agriculture:
Women in rural areas often assist in farming activities such as harvesting and gathering crops alongside men. Despite their household responsibilities, they play a vital role in agricultural production, with many families relying on their labor.
4.Handicrafts and Sewing:
Rural women also engage in crafts such as carpet weaving, embroidery, and sewing. These activities help meet family needs and produce goods that can be sold for extra income.
Rights of Afghan Rural Women
Despite their crucial economic role, many rural women are deprived of basic rights. Due to local traditions, they often do not have property or inheritance rights and are excluded from family economic decision-making. Moreover, their contributions are systematically overlooked, and they have limited opportunities to improve their economic standing.
Challenges and Needs
1.Access to Education:
One of the most significant challenges is limited access to education. Many rural women have been deprived of schooling, hindering their social and economic growth. Establishing local schools and providing vocational training can improve their living conditions and offer them new opportunities for economic advancement.
2.Healthcare and Psychological Services:
Rural women often lack access to adequate healthcare, particularly during pregnancy and childbirth. Mobile health services and training local healthcare workers can improve their and their families’ health. Additionally, providing psychological services for women affected by violence or the mental traumas of war is crucial.
3.Support Networks:
Rural women need support networks to learn from each other and share their experiences. Creating cooperative groups and local associations can help women overcome challenges and play a more active role in the local economy.
4.Lack of Access to Justice:
One of the challenges for rural women is their limited access to justice. Discriminatory laws regarding land ownership and assets, lack of information about protective laws, high legal fees, domestic violence stereotypes, and practices like extrajudicial courts have caused significant harm to women. The economic contributions of rural women are often undervalued compared to those of men, who are seen as the primary breadwinners. Despite producing half of the world’s food, rural women’s labor is considered secondary.
5.Rural Women and Handicrafts:
One of the key economic activities for rural women is handicrafts. Expanding, educating, and developing the quality of handicraft production can greatly aid their self-sufficiency and improve their social standing. Establishing technical and vocational centers, infrastructure improvements, modernizing agricultural practices, and creating legal support centers for rural women are essential steps for development. These efforts would not only increase employment and boost production but also contribute significantly to the economy.
Conclusion
Afghan rural women, as the invisible pillars of family economies, must be integrated into the country’s economic and social development plans. Special attention should be given to their rights and needs. Empowering these women through education, healthcare, and support networks can significantly improve their quality of life and that of the entire community. Government and international organizations must work together to create conditions for the growth and prosperity of rural women.
Recognizing the critical role rural women play in Afghanistan’s economy is a fundamental step toward sustainable development and poverty reduction, benefiting both rural women and the broader Afghan society.
