The right to remain silent?
Afghanistan has been suffering from internal conflict and violence for the last three decades. This, combined with extreme poverty in many cases, has caused people to lose their mental stability. Several cases of violence illustrate how women routinely become victims of violence in patriarchal Afghan society.
In the latest case, a young woman, Nigina was tortured by her husband. Her tongue was cut off for not following his instructions.
The couple live in a far-flung village called Janghori in Afghanistan’s Balkh province. 21-year-old Sali Mohammed wanted his wife, Nigina, to prostitute herself so she could earn some money for the family. When she refused, her husband tried to cut her tongue off with a knife, suggesting that a woman who spoke too much for her own good should be taught a lesson. Nigina was seven months pregnant at the time. The extreme trauma this incident caused led to a miscarriage.
When I tried to ask her neighbors about what happened, I could feel that they found the incident as shocking as I did. Friba Majid, head of the provincial women’s directorate told me it was one of the worst cases of violence against women she had ever seen.
Meanwhile, the authorities have been prompted to arrest the husband so he will not be able to hurt anyone else for a long time. Nigina’s tongue has been sewn back on. It will probably take a long time to heal and although Nigina may be able to speak in a few months’ time, the psychological scars are likely to last her entire life.
Afghan women and girls continue to face violence in their day-to-day lives and are under severe threat. Nigina herself was subjected to frequent beatings by her husband. Her picture on television channels shows a young girl who is probably very innocent, but has been doomed to live a life of someone imprisoned in her beliefs. It will take some time before these women realize that they are not “things,” that they are humans and should be treated with dignity. Their dignity may not protect them from violence, but it will at least help them to escape a potentially harmful situation.
Tamana Jamily
16 Comments
Kirsi Mattila | 05.06.2012 | 17:29
It is so important that there are people who tell us what is happening to the women all over the world. Let’s hope that all women in the world understand that “they are not “things,” that they are humans and should be treated with dignity”.
Roma | 06.06.2012 | 5:30
It is unbelievable how could some one do this?
Cruelty has it’s limits, but sometimes in countries like Afghanistan men forget it and try to dominate and think that women are just naughts.It is impossible may Allah punish them .
mateen | 06.06.2012 | 5:38
Well agree with you Ms.Roma. It is really inhuman and big spot for the human beings specially men.In fact it is considered as injustice.
But it is not honest and is not referred to all men some women are as cruel as men are and you can definitely witness women cruelty as well.
mateen | 06.06.2012 | 6:00
Dear Reporter,
Many thanks for your effort and hardworking regarding afghan women,
I appreciate your heroism !
BR.
karim
Roma | 06.06.2012 | 6:06
oh my god very wretched and gray….. may god punish her husband and all other oppressors…
waheed | 06.06.2012 | 6:15
I have read the entire article. It shacked me. Unfortunately despite of many organizations working forward to eliminate violation against women, we face with such non-humanitarian actions in Balkh, one of the most developed and advanced cities of Afghanistan. I hope this article could attract all organizations and afghan society’s attention to know that we need to work hard. And many thanks from Miss Jamey , the one how reflected this shacking event by her article.
Maria raheen | 06.06.2012 | 6:28
Oh no incredible.
But honestly speaking Afghanistan has seen several horrific cases but this one is too shocking cutting one’s tongue for not accepting the demand it is in fact violation of Freedom of speech.
shekeba | 06.06.2012 | 6:56
It is shocking.Well such abuses are world wide but in different ways,So the main reasons are that men and even civillians are uneducated and are not broadminded enough to know the best way how to to treat with women.
hikmatullah frahmand | 06.06.2012 | 7:25
I appreciate your work tamana jamily very nice report this is my wish you well successfull always and you can make good report now.
lina | 06.06.2012 | 7:38
I think the only way out, is that women should stand up and fight for thier freedom and then can get thier right like other countries have done.
Iqbal | 06.06.2012 | 8:44
Such cases are not new in Afghanistan and let me tell you all there are sooooooo many good faithful people including MEN that do not agree with this stuff!
Farzana | 06.06.2012 | 9:20
Islam is a peaceful religion but there are some cruel men who beat ,torture and kill women who lacks male protector but this is really surprising that thier own home wont be safe enough for them to live and to be beaten by thier own male protectors it is the meanest example of immorality.
Damn to such guys with such odd thoughts.
Jamil | 06.06.2012 | 9:33
I don’t think so that Islam has a monopoly or mistreatment to women but it happens when both don’t agree in one point and sometimes this results more violence ,
Besides,this case different the male protector had a mean demand and the woman was forced to fulfill it it is really worrying and I denounce it.
Amin Aarween | 06.06.2012 | 10:10
I dont know what to say about this brutal action! I could not find any offensive word to use for this harsh man. as a human just I say! I condemn his brutality up on an innocent girl.
Rohina | 06.06.2012 | 12:42
I think,It may take a long time that Afghan women could be able to protect from their rights and feel free to live.It is actually along way.
Because as you guys all know there has been many progress in this course as well but still we witness such inhuman cases.
Although the law’s implementation is growing.But no use These damn guys have no wisdom no though no humanity nothing.
Jamil | 06.06.2012 | 13:03
Islam is not a monopoly and mistreatment for women.
But there are some uneducated,oldminded and people with wrong perception from Islam who do such harsh and mean actions.
It is denouncing.