International Day of the Girl Child, observed annually on 11th October, is a global celebration of the rights of girls, advocating for gender equality and empowerment. This day brings attention to the unique challenges faced by girls worldwide, particularly in education, healthcare, and protection from violence. It serves as a reminder that we must continue to work towards a future where girls can thrive.
But for Afghan girls, equality is a far-cry from their reality, as gender apartheid ravages their country and their existence.
Limited Education
Since the Taliban’s takeover in 2021, Afghanistan has become the only country in the world in which girls are forbidden from secondary school, forcing 75% of Afghan girls out of education, leaving them ill-equipped for their futures. From as young as 10, girls are forced to stay home, confined by gender apartheid, whilst their male counterparts enjoy the privilege of school.
Forced Marriage
Devastatingly, without access to education or work, over 28% of Afghan girls have been forced into marriages before reaching adulthood (UNICEF, 2021). Robbed of their agency, these marriages are often transactional, meaning young girls are effectively sold to perform domestic labour for their husbands. With limited economic and educational opportunities, fears arise that unmarried daughters could be forcibly married to Taliban members, with rumours of Taliban leaders requesting unmarried girls over the age of 12 for their fighters (Times of India, 2021). Harrowingly, fathers are marrying off their daughters at increasingly young ages, viewing this as a way to protect them from such a fate (ODI Report, 2024). Though the national legal age of marital consent is 16 for girls, all exceptions may be taken into account, meaning technically, girls can be married at any age (Girls Not Brides, 2020).
Adolescent Pregnancy
Child and teen pregnancy is a serious concern in Afghanistan, driven primarily by the high prevalence of child marriages. With limited educational and employment opportunities, early marriage often leads to early pregnancies. These young girls face severe health risks, as complications during childbirth are common due to their age, and with the healthcare system incredibly hard for women and girls to access, pregnancy-related deaths are incredibly common, despite most being preventable. Furthermore, Afghanistan has a high infant mortality rate, with 40% of children not reaching their first birthday (UNICEF, 2018). Pregnancy not only endangers the physical and emotional well-being of girls but also traps them in cycles of poverty and vulnerability, stripping them of their autonomy. Addressing child marriage and supporting girls’ education is critical to reducing the rates of early pregnancy and improving the lives of Afghan girls.
Beyond Girlhood
As these girls grow into womanhood, the restrictions only intensify. Without education, Afghan women face extreme limitations in accessing employment or social autonomy. They become dependent on male guardians for every aspect of their lives. The future for these girls, robbed of education and self-determination, is bleak, as they move from being oppressed children to silenced women.
How can you help Afghan girls?
International Day of the Girl Child is not just a moment for reflection but a rallying call to address the profound inequalities faced by girls around the world, including in Afghanistan. Though their current situation is abysmal, there are ways that you can help.
Supporting charities that directly assist Afghan girls is an effective way to make an impact. Mahboba’s Promise was founded by Mahboba Rawi, an Afghan refugee who fled to Australia after the Soviet invasion. Having endured immense personal loss, including the death of her son, Mahboba turned her grief into action, dedicating her life to helping Afghan women and children. Through her organisation, Mahboba provides education, healthcare, and emergency relief to vulnerable communities in Afghanistan.
Fortunately, the Australian government has taken a strong stance against the treatment of girls and women in Afghanistan. Foreign Minister Penny Wong has recently announced that Australia is initiating legal proceedings, seeking action at the International Court of Justice against Afghanistan for breaching the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women. It’s critical we keep up the momentum by staying informed, raising our voices, and supporting organisations fighting for Afghan girls’ rights.
A Call to Action for Afghan Girls’ Rights
International Day of the Girl Child is not just a moment for reflection but a rallying call to address the profound inequalities faced by girls around the world, including in Afghanistan. As we observe this day on 11th October, it’s vital to remember that the fight for gender equality and empowerment continues, especially in regions where girls endure extreme challenges. The stories of Afghan girls highlight the urgent need for global action, ensuring that every girl, no matter where she is born, can thrive, have access to education, healthcare, and protection from violence.
We recommend supporting charities like Mahboba’s Promise, an Australian non-profit organisation committed to aiding underprivileged women and children and other vulnerable groups in Afghanistan, surrounding regions, and Australia. There’s also Melbourne social enterprise, The Social Studio, who are directly providing employment support to newly-arrived Afghan women.
Photo of 2 kids by Zach Wear, taken from Unsplash