The RAWA states from the beginning that "Women's emanicipation is achievable only by themselves!", which is a very strong statement.  The RAWA explained that the Western media had only portrayed the oppression and abuse of women by the Taliban but did not include the oppression against the men of Afghanistan, who are also not free.  "If freedom is bewtowedby others, it may be seized and violated any time..." I think this is true in a way.  Also, I thought a good point made was that there is no value in voting  when the people are being tormented by there criminal fundamentalists and that it is only meaningful when they represent the people.  The RAWA focus is on freedom-loving women who were imprisoned in the torturous prisons. 

What are your thoughts? Is there anything that you found interesting?

 

Women's oppression in Afghanistan under the Taliban is an issue has affected me deeply since learning about its realites. Specifically, after watching a documentary called "Behind the Veil" which illustrated its graphic detail and cruelty to an unimaginable extent and the RAWA's response, movement and action back in 2001. This reading was interesting in the RAWA's statement that "women's emancipation is achievable only by themselves... If that freedom is bestowed by others, it may be seized and violated any time." ... powerful point! But I wonder how realistic this is, in a place where women are so oppressed and disregarded that after the age of 12 they must meet in secret to continue their education. I am wondering what the successfull strategy is for these women to effectively rise above the tyrannical rule of this extreme with their own power? Is it really possible.

i've been reading a lot lately about Afghani history, and there is a long tradition of tribal groups siezing power, or at least resisting the efforts of others to control them. I think that RAWA is, to some extent, trying to shape women into such a group, that will resist oppression and protect each other.

I think, as was said, that it is essential to shape women into a united group to defend each other and unite in their purpose.  This is the key to strength.  However, I still think ultimate liberation cannot take place without the belief of men and women.  It was also pointed out that men are not free either ". . .no serious issues including freedom and prosperity of women and men can be solved even if more ministries and commissions are created for women" (429).

The continued oppression of women still effects men; therefore it involves them in that there worldview should be changed as well.