Afghan Women Demand Psychological Peace Amid Moral Policing

Afghan women have spoken out against intrusive interrogations and the behavior of moral police, highlighting their need for psychological security and peace. They assert that true security goes beyond merely ending conflict.

Afghan Women: Security Is Not Just the End of War, Psychological Peace Is Essential

A group of women and girls in Afghanistan has protested the psychological insecurity imposed by the Ministry of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice’s moral police. These women claim that strict enforcement and intrusive questioning have profoundly affected their mental well-being.

They emphasize that the concept of security cannot be limited to the cessation of war and physical confrontations. Fundamental rights such as education, employment, and the freedom of movement are crucial pillars of a secure life. A resident of Kabul remarked that the constant fear of being interrogated in public spaces over how they dress has made life oppressive for women.

The Psychological Effects of Restrictions on Women’s Lives

Some girls in the provinces of Khost and Kandahar expressed that being in urban areas without a male chaperone is accompanied by severe psychological concerns. These anxieties arise amid reports of the detention of dozens of women in Herat province and certain areas of Kabul for allegedly not adhering to hijab regulations.

Despite the suspension of education for girls beyond the sixth grade and ongoing restrictions on women’s employment and mobility, mental health experts point to the negative impacts of this situation on women’s psychological health. Psychologist Dr. Javid Rahimi advises women to maintain social connections with trusted individuals and engage in studying and acquiring new skills to alleviate mental stress.

Lack of Accountability from Government Officials

Saif-ul-Islam Khyber, spokesperson for the Ministry of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, declined to comment on the raised concerns. While government officials claim to uphold women’s rights within the framework of Islamic law, many women believe these assertions do not align with their lived realities.