Women’s rights are an important part of human rights. Human rights principles around the world recognize women as complete and dignified human beings who have the right to fair and equal treatment in matters related to their life, freedom, safety, dignity, and future.
A woman is not known only by her role in the family, society, or a specific job. She is also an independent human being with basic and equal rights that cannot be taken away.
International human rights standards emphasize that no woman should be deprived of her basic rights, opportunities, or face discrimination simply because she is a woman. Women and men should receive fair and equal treatment in human dignity, legal rights, and opportunities.
Women’s rights mean that every woman should be able to live freely, safely, and with dignity and without discrimination; express her views; receive education; work; take part in economic activities; take part in important decisions about her life; participate in social and public life; and enjoy her legal rights under the protection of the law.
Equality does not only mean saying that women and men are equal on paper. Real equality exists when women also have fair opportunities in everyday life for education, work, health, justice, security, economic opportunities, and social participation.
Discrimination Against Women
International human rights principles do not accept discrimination based on gender. Any difference, restriction, or exclusion that reduces or takes away a woman’s rights and freedoms because of her gender is against the principle of equality.
Discrimination against women is not only open injustice. Sometimes, barriers in laws, traditions, social structures, workplaces, education, and other areas can also be forms of discrimination when they prevent women from fully using their rights.
Every woman has the right to be protected from physical, mental, sexual, and economic violence, threats, insults, exploitation, forced actions, and all forms of abuse.
Violence against women is not only a private or family matter. It is a serious violation of human dignity and basic rights. A woman’s safety, dignity, physical health, and mental health must be protected in all situations.
The Right to Education, Work, and Health
Every woman and girl has the right to education and to develop her abilities. Access to education should not be limited because of gender.
Women also have the right to work based on their abilities and choices, receive fair pay, have a safe working environment, and have equal opportunities for professional development.
Women have the right to receive health services, medical treatment, health information, and proper care without discrimination.
Society and relevant institutions should provide conditions that allow women, especially during pregnancy, childbirth, illness, disability, poverty, and other difficult situations, to receive the support and care they need.
The Right to Decision-Making and Participation
Women have the right to make decisions about their own lives freely and to take part in social, civil, and public affairs.
Women’s participation in society is not only a benefit; it is an important need for a fair, balanced, and developed society.
A society that does not listen to women’s voices loses the experience, abilities, and views of a large part of society.
Our Position
The Afghan International Human Rights Organization considers the protection of women’s rights an important part of human rights. The Organization believes that women and girls should be protected from discrimination, violence, exclusion, and all forms of unfair treatment, and should have legal and peaceful ways to claim their rights.
We believe that protecting women’s rights is not only work for women; it is also work for justice, human dignity, social stability, and a better future.
Women’s rights are human rights; respect, equality, and protection for women are the foundation of a fair and peaceful society.