Findings from Salam Watandar, based on interviews with experts and 20 women who have experienced gender inequality within their families, show that this issue has had serious physical and psychological effects on women.
According to psychologists and sociologists, gender inequality in the family is one of the most sustainable forms of social injustice in Afghanistan. It is not only about different roles, but also reflects the unequal distribution of power, opportunities, and decision-making rights within families.
Out of the 20 women interviewed, 19 said they carry the full burden of heavy household work alone.
These women report that men in the family do not take responsibility for housework. If women are unable to complete their tasks due to illness or weakness, they are often blamed or even subjected to violence.
They also say that men’s participation in housework is considered shameful. This belief has serious physical and psychological consequences for women.
Alina, a 24-year-old from Balkh, says, “Since I can remember, my brothers have been treated as the most important ones. No one asks for my opinion. No one has asked about my pain or my difficulties. Even if I am seriously ill, no one comes to help me. I am forced to do all the housework by myself. I don’t have a job or any income, but I still have to follow every order given to me. I am very tired. I work too much every day that my whole body hurts at night.”
Mari, a 29-year-old woman from Parwan, says, “In our home, everything the men order must be done . Even if I clean all day, I still have to bring them water or food. If I don’t, my husband beats me. I don’t have the right to sleep until my husband does. Childcare and farm work are also my responsibility. Every day, my whole body hurts, and I am tired.”
Shazia, a 23-year-old from Kapisa, says, “Mentally, my condition is not good at all. Their actions and lack of attention to me break my heart. Even when I am sick or tired, happy or sad, I still have to work. No one helps me. I don’t even talk about my foot pain. My whole body is in pain, and no one understands me.”
According to United Nations statistics, gender inequality in Afghanistan in 2025 has reached more than 76%, making it one of the highest gender gaps in the world. These figures show that women in Afghanistan have less access than men to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. This situation also directly increases inequality within families and affects society as a whole.
Patriarchal dominance and lack of decision-making rights
10 of the interviewed women say that men are considered the superior gender in the family, and women are deprived of their individual freedoms—even their most personal choices—by men within the family.
They say women are often deprived of the right to choose marriage or continue their education. Even their identity is linked to male relatives.
Sadia, a 25-year-old from Baghlan, says, “According to our family’s opinion, men are viewed as more sane and intellectually superior to women, and they are believed to have greater abilities. Therefore, women are not allowed to make decisions, and even regarding themselves they are not given the right to decide. From school to all aspects of life—such as education, choosing a husband, and clothing—women are restricted. Even their identity must be hidden in society; they should be known by their father’s name or family name, not their own. A young woman is considered a shame in our society.”
According to UN Women statistics in 2025, most women in Afghanistan have a very limited role in decision-making within families and are excluded from effective participation in this process. These statistics indicate that more than half of women have little influence in major household decisions, such as economic, educational, and social matters. This situation reflects the continuation of gender inequality and the limited position of women within family structures.
Five women also reported emotional neglect from their parents.
These women said that because daughters, after a while, leave their father’s home after marriage, some parents feel a sense of alienation toward them. According to them, this view causes girls to face more discrimination and less attention in the family compared to boys.
Sabera, a 25-year-old from Bamyan, says, “Our family believes that one day daughters will marry, but sons stay with us forever. That is why they try to respect sons more, and they can continue their jobs and education. A man can easily go to the hospital when he gets sick, but a woman must wait for someone to take her. I am very tired of this situation.”
Experts’ views on gender inequality in families
Sociologists say that gender inequality in families comes from traditional and patriarchal culture. They emphasize that this mindset leads to unfair treatment of women in the family. Psychologists and women’s rights activists say that raising awareness, improving education, and promoting fairness and respect within families can reduce the negative consequences of this phenomenon.
Zuhal Amirzada, a psychologist, says, “From a psychological point of view, inequality between girls and boys can affect girls’ personality development and mental health. It can make girls feel weak and less valuable, and lead to anxiety and fear over time.”
Tahmina Mangal, women’s rights activist, says, “Gender inequality in families mostly stems from incorrect views and the unfair division of responsibilities, and it causes physical and psychological exhaustion for women. We can reduce these gender inequalities by raising awareness, educating families, and promoting a culture of justice and respect for girls’ abilities.”
It is worth noting that UN statistics from last year show that, in addition to gender inequality within families and limited access of women to education and basic services, restrictions on their work have deprived them of participation in economic activities as income earners. This has negatively affected household economies, increased women’s financial dependence, and reduced overall family economic capacity.
Reporter: Soodaba Haidari
