Not Even Safe at Home; Afghan Girls Speak Out About Sexual Harassment and Abuse
Tawazon – As social restrictions, stigma, and the absence of legal protection persist in Afghanistan, many women and girls continue to hide their experiences of sexual harassment, fearing for their safety, reputation, and even their lives. But cases continue to rise and more survivors are now breaking their silence, sharing some of the most painful moments of their lives.
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, marked annually on November 25, serves as a reminder that women across the world still face widespread and multifaceted forms of violence.
Mina (pseudonym) a resident of Nangarhar, told Tawazon that she has been subjected to sexual harassment in her neighborhood and public spaces since childhood. “When I was little and went out to play or buy something, shopkeepers would harass me”, she said. “They would hold my hand tightly, refuse to give me items I paid for, or try to drag the conversation. Sometimes, when my family sent me alone to buy groceries,the shopkeeper would ask me to come inside so he could touch me.”
She says, these memories still bother her today. “Whenever I remember those incidents, I feel deep sadness and blame myself. I used to think I was the only child who faced such harassment, but unfortunately this is the reality of our society.”
While markets, streets, and public areas are known hotspots for harassment, many girls say they are not safe even inside their own homes.
Kateba (pseudonym), from Kandahar, says she faced harassment more at home than outside, from a cousin who lived with their family and from boys in the neighborhood. She said, “I was 13, my cousin, whom we considered a brother, secretly asked me to start a relationship with him. I felt terrified and disgusted.”
She also described another traumatic incident while her family was living in Turkey: “A young Afghan man who had helped us find a house came over. I didnt know he had bad intentions. He touched my body, tried to kiss me and wouldn’t stop no matter how often I pushed him away. I ran to another room, but he followed me. I prayed for God to save me. He only left after I repeatedly resisted, and warned me not to tell anyone.” She says the memories remain painful and unforgettable.
Sexual harassment is also widespread in offices and workplaces.
Fatima, 25, from Kabul, said many of her female colleagues faced harassment and sexual demands, often accompanied by threats of job loss if they refused. “Two of my colleagues were pressured by our manger to engage in inappropriate relations,” she said. “One day he even brought a gold necklace to entice them. One woman refused and resigned immediately. The other faced constant pressure and criticism from him. She cried many times, saying she had no choice because she had to support her family.”
Why does such violence and abuse continue in Afghanistan?
Human rights activist Fatima Samimi told Tawazon that the continuation of sexual harassment and violence in Afghan society stems from deep-rooted cultural norms.
“In our society, the burden of protecting family honor is placed entirely on girls,” she said. “If a girl makes even a small mistake, like laughing loudly, she pays a heavy price and is judged harshly. But boys are forgiven because they are men, families dont feel the same shame.”
Samimi added that harassment in streets and public spaces is often considered a sign of masculinity among young men, rather than a crime.
Psychologist Sameera Athar says sexual harassment leaves lasting psychological consequences for survivors. “Women and girls who experience harassment often struggle with anxiety, chronic fear, sleep disorders, low self-esteem and long term emotional difficulties,” she said. “Many suffer in silence due to stigma, judgment, and fear of dishonoring their families.”
November 25 has been recognized as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women since 1999. The day aims to raise global awareness about all forms of violence affecting women, physical, psychological, economic, cultural, political, sexual,and even digital.
Despite this, millions of women worldwide, including in Afghanistan, continue to face violence daily, with few avenuess for protection or justice.
