Although legal experts say that, under the Islamic principle al-darar yuzāl (harm must be removed), discrimination is prohibited, many women tell Salam Watandar that they still experience it in their workplaces. Some even say that ongoing discrimination has forced them to leave their jobs. Experts note that any action causing harm or undermining a person’s dignity is considered illegitimate under Islamic law, and victims have the right to file complaints. They also emphasize that the government has a responsibility to address such cases.
Khatera Rayan, a legal expert, says: “If a woman faces harassment, mistreatment, humiliation, assault, or discrimination at work, she can file a complaint based on harm and injustice. A Sharia judge must stop the wrongful behavior and ensure compensation. International law and UN documents also provide protections for women in the workplace.”
Ziba Zuhal, another legal expert, adds: “If a woman is beaten or subjected to violence, she can report it to the police, the courts, or other legal authorities. The offender can be prosecuted and punished. But the courts in the Islamic Emirate follow only Islamic Sharia, while documents like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, CEDAW, ILO conventions, and anti-harassment laws apply in other countries.”
Religious scholars also stress that Islam forbids all forms of violence and discrimination.
Sebghatullah Wasiq, a religious scholar, says: “A woman can do lawful work and own her income. Islam forbids discrimination and guarantees women’s dignity wherever they are. Any verbal or psychological abuse, humiliation, or harm that disrupts a woman’s life must be punished—by fines or even imprisonment under Islamic law.”
Shah Mahmood Mohammadi, a religious scholar and deputy head of the Council of Scholars, explains how cases should be handled: “First, the issue should be discussed. Then it should be reported to the person in charge. If there is still no response, the case can go to Islamic authorities or courts. If the problem continues, the offender should face ta‘zir, it means he should be punished or dismissed from duty. The principle of al-darar yuzāl applies in these cases, and those harmed should use judicial and legal channels to seek justice.”
Despite these laws and religious teachings, many women say the reality at work is very different. They report verbal and behavioral humiliation, being denied promotions, and having their qualifications ignored. In some cases, these challenges forced them to leave their jobs.
Shamila, 23-years-old who is from Kabul, worked for almost two years at a TV media outlet. She says her manager repeatedly discriminated against her because of her ethnicity and religion: “I faced behavior that made me feel unsafe, humiliated, and uncomfortable. Most of it was verbal. In many cases, our rights were ignored. Once, a prize that my colleague and I deserved was given to someone else, just because of these differences and the inequality at work.”
Mahfoza, 24-years-old, from Herat, shares a similar experience: “I faced psychological and discriminatory abuse. I was given heavy workloads without support, my skills were ignored, and my opportunities for advancement were limited. Sometimes my boss or male colleagues spoke to me in a commanding and humiliating way. These experiences made me afraid to take better job opportunities, so I stayed in a position I didn’t like for some time.”
Some women say discrimination affected their focus and motivation.
Nasiba, 25-years-old and from Kabul, says: “This happened repeatedly and hurt my motivation. At first, I stayed silent because I was afraid things would get worse. Eventually, I changed my workplace.”
Zahra, 24-years-old also from Kabul, adds: “The same things happened almost every week. I went to work feeling discouraged, my focus was low, and I felt invisible. I was constantly judged, and my motivation to grow decreased. It eventually made me quit.”
Fariha, 26-years-old, from Balkh, says she hopes for a safe work environment where she can be creative and help her organization grow: “We want a workplace that is safe mentally, emotionally, ethically, and physically. When the environment is fair, we can work better, stay motivated, and be more creative. We can do more and help the organization progress.”
It is clear that these women are unhappy with ethnic and religious discrimination, inequality, and verbal or behavioral humiliation—even though laws and religious teachings clearly prohibit any kind of violence or discrimination against women.
Reporter: Hosai Afghan
