Kabul

The sign reads, "The Islamic Hijab does not with-hold Muslim women from social contributions and political activities." There are few Muslims who would disagree with that conclusion. However, there are disagreements among Muslim scholars and Muslim public about interpretation of the Islamic Hijab, and about proper social and political roles of Muslim women. A progressive social order would ensure that the differing perspectives are freely aired, certainly by those whose roles and rights are being determined.

I witnessed the following scenes of women in Kabul: A small boy selling ice-cream teasing women in chadari that they can not eat ice-cream (which I think is telling of the low regard that women are held generally in Kabul); Women walking by themselves in Macrorayan; several women "qaleen takaandan" without covering themselves in Macrorayan; women sit in the back section of buses separated from the rest with a purdah; women in chadarees during the hottest time of the day; girls with the only wish of being able to learn, read and write; women with mental disorder caused by learning about the death of her two brothers.