Pakistan and Afghanistan are among the most difficult countries in the world to be a woman. Afghan women face draconian legislation that permits husbands to deny their wives sustenance if they disobey sexual demands while Pakistani school girls face brutal acid attacks in their quest to get an education.
Forced marriages, many for the exchange of money or services, highlight the absence of basic civil rights for many of these women. Two recent events, one in Pakistan and the other in Afghanistan, demonstrate the depths of their plague.
In December a Pakistani newspaper wrote about a 20 year old woman who was sold at a public auction. The bidding started at $589 and she was sold to a 50 year old man for the final price of $3,185.
Earlier this month, the Los Angeles Times highlighted the story of a young Afghan girl sold by her brothers for $20,000 to an older cousin.
Sadly, reports like these are not uncommon, and they represent one of the many challenges that these women face.
Last spring 300 Afghan women endured attacks and countless threats as they took to the streets in a bold demonstration of solidarity against the oppressive laws of their country.
The journey for justice will be a long and difficult road for these women. You can offer your support by following the organizations listed below.
Mukhtar Mai
As a victim of a brutal gang rape, Pakistani Mukhtar Mai fought back. She challenged a culture where honor killings and rapes are common and used the legal system to prosecute her offenders. She spent the money rewarded to her for these offenses and started the Mukhtar Mai Women’s Welfare Organization.
The Mukhtar Mai Women’s Welfare Organization is a non-profit organization that works to educate and protect rural Pakistani women. Mukhtar Mai and her organization have recently reached out to help another Pakistani rape victim who is choosing to prosecute her offenders.
Donations to the Mukhtar Mai Welfare Organization are made through a special link on the Mercy Corps website.
The Afghan Women’s Writing Project
This noble project seeks to give Afghan women a safe and anonymous way of writing and sharing their ideas without fear of persecution. The project seeks out women, authors and teachers in the US and pairs them with Afghan women.
It is not easy for women in Afghanistan to gain access to internet cafes. In some instances, they are allowed inside when chaperoned by a male relative. This is often too conspicuous for the Afghan writers to comfortably work and share their writings.
The project requests that donations be made for the purchase of thumb drives and laptops for the writers. This will enable the women to have a safe place to write. The writers can then find a trusted male to place their work online.
Medica Mondiale
Medica Mondiale is a German-based, non-governmental organization that stands up for women and girls in war and crisis zones around the world. They are committed to helping women who are victims of sexual violation live an independent and self-determined life.
Medica Mondiale works on site in Afghanistan to provide women psychosocial and medical care along with legal assistance.
You may offer your support through their donation page or choose to sponsor an event to raise money for their organization.
Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/isafmedia / CC BY 2.0
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