Specialist obstetricians and gynecologists, emphasizing that having a period is a natural part of girls’ growth, say that many girls experience their first period with fear and anxiety because of a lack of awareness and the existence of misconceptions in society. They say that providing timely information about the physical and emotional changes of puberty can help girls go through this stage with greater peace of mind.
A number of women in Sar-e-Pol say that economic difficulties and certain family problems sometimes delay their visits to health centers and their treatment. Social and health experts emphasize that paying attention to the health of all family members and seeking timely medical care can help prevent illnesses from worsening and contribute to maintaining family health.
Postpartum bleeding, high blood pressure, and limited access to healthcare services are among the most important causes of maternal deaths in Afghanistan. This finding is based on interviews with the families of victims, doctors, international organizations, and the Ministry of Public Health. In this report, Salam Watandar interviewed 15 families, international organizations, doctors, and the Ministry of Public Health of the Islamic Emirate.
Findings from Salam Watandar’s interviews with 40 women volunteers across 11 provinces show that many women have turned to volunteer work due to limited employment opportunities, the need to gain work experience, maintain connections to their professions, develop their skills, pursue their interest in working, and serve their communities.
Although Islamic jurisprudence and religious teachings emphasize the human dignity and rights of women with disabilities, the experiences shared by some of these women show that they continue to face challenges in various aspects of life, including education, employment, access to services, and, in some cases, inheritance-related issues. Religious scholars and legal experts say that expanding support services and raising awareness among families and the society could help improve their situation and create greater opportunities for them.
Although, according to Islamic Sharia and custom, providing safe drinking water is considered one of the responsibilities of the men in a household, the reality in many villages across Afghanistan shows that this responsibility largely falls on women. They say that because men are busy working outside the home, they play a smaller role in providing water, making it a daily responsibility for women.
Hiba (gift) means the transfer of property to another person without receiving anything in return. Once a gift is made and received, ownership of the property generally passes to the recipient. Religious scholars and legal experts say that although a gift may be revoked in certain exceptional circumstances, the general principle is that ownership is transferred to the recipient, and revoking a gift is considered undesirable from both religious and ethical perspectives.
Legal experts, Islamic jurisprudence experts, and religious scholars say that providing suitable shelter is the husband’s responsibility and is considered part of maintenance (nafaqah). They say that consultation and mutual understanding between husband and wife, as well as considering the family’s needs when choosing a place to live, help promote peace, empathy, and a stronger married life.
While legal experts and religious scholars say that women have both a legal and religious right to work, a number of women in Daikundi say that family pressure, household responsibilities, and traditional attitudes are the main obstacles to continuing to work after marriage and motherhood.
A number of women in Samangan say that economic hardship, the long distance to healthcare centers, inadequate facilities, and limited access to healthcare services have left many women with no option but to give birth at home.
Although Islamic Sharia permits polygamy and second marriage under specific conditions, a number of women in Kunduz say they have repeatedly faced pressure from their husbands’ families to persuade their husbands to take a second wife.
“I want to continue my education, succeed, and achieve my goals. I am happy and satisfied with the decision I have made.” These are the words of Shafiqa, a 30-year-old resident of Kabul. A journalism graduate, she says she wants to achieve her academic and professional goals before getting married. Shafiqa is not alone in making this choice. Findings from Salam Watandar’s interviews with a number of women show that continuing their education, pursuing careers, and attaining personal independence have become their top priorities.
