Women’s Political Participation

The notion of equal rights for men and women in Afghanistan began during the reign of Shah Amanullah (1919-1929) and was led by Queen Soraya. Later, during the reign of Mohammad Zahir Shah (1933-1973), an institution called “De MirmanoTolne” was established to unify the women’s movement, raising awareness for the development and progress, and to strengthen the position of women in society. The issue of women’s rights and freedoms is also stressed in the 1964 and 1977 constitutions.Using Articles 31 and 32 of the 1964 constitution, the Afghan women formed unions and associations and established “The Afghan Women’s Democratic Organization” in Kabul. At that time, women had the right to participate in elections (either as voters or as representatives), and for the first time, four women were elected as representatives of people for the House of Representatives.

In addition, during the reign of Mohammad Zahir Shah, there were three women ministers in the cabinet. Until the early 1990s, most teachers, half of government employees, and 40 percent of the country’s doctors were women. With the rise of the Taliban in Afghanistan, women were deprived of all social and economic activities. The concept of political participation was not applicable in Afghanistan during the Taliban era.