KABUL (SW): In conversation with Salam Watandar, a number of women in Kabul pronounced the ‘chadari’ (head and body covering cloth) as ‘mobile prison’ for them.
The women and girls said after wearing the chadari for long time, they feel headache and nuisance, but are forced to comply with this alien custom that also has nothing to do with the sharia. One such Kabul resident Mursal informed that her eyesight is week, and on top of it regular use of chadari has added to her woes. Mursal said she often prefers to stay home rather than wearing chadari for going out for necessary needs.
Jameela, another woman, informed that some people wrongly believe chadari would save them from sexual harassment, but there are many women who continue to be harassed despite wearing chadari.
Bayat, a women rights activist, believes the culture of chadari was promoted during the Taliban regime, and still many women continue to wear it. She noted that this dress particularly creates eyesight complications for women and girls.
Dr. Omid Hamkar, a physician, told Salam Watandar that regular use of chadari is particularly dangerous for acute angle-closure (closed-angle or narrow-angle) glaucoma that can even led to blindness.
Many men are also against the use of chadari. Sharifullah Sharif, one such Kabul resident, pointed towards the misuse of chadari for criminal and terrorist activities. Meanwhile, a chadari seller acknowledged that the sales are down, but still there are many buyers for it.
ENDS
