Glimpses of Distressed Women of Afghanistan: Contemplations of Dayna Curry and Heather Mercer

The present paper tries to analyse the socio-economic condition of Afghan women from the perspective of two American women who visited Afghanistan in 2001 to serve the poor and the needy. They recorded their unique experiences in Prisoners of Hope. Dyana Curry and Heather Mercer narrate the factors contributing to women's oppression in Afghanistan. They articulate the root causes including entrenched cultural norms, economic inequality, and inadequate legal frameworks. Patriarchal attitudes that view women as subordinate to men perpetuate cycles of violence and silence. The present paper argues that socio-economic factors, such as poverty and lack of education, exacerbate vulnerabilities, and make it difficult for victims to seek help or escape abusive situations. Arguments from Third World Feminism and South Asian Feminism were taken for examining the selected work. The article concludes that condition of Afghan women is the microcosm of position of women in many developing nations. Gender based violence manifests in various forms, including domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, and harmful traditional practices. Addressing GBV is crucial not only for safeguarding the rights and well-being of individuals but also for fostering the broader socio-economic development of a society. There is an urgent need to explore effective strategies for combating GBV in developing countries, focusing on legal reforms, education, community inclusiveness in decision-making bodies, economic empowerment, and healthcare access.

Keywords – Socio-economic conditions of Afghan women, oppression, patriarchy, Third world and South Asian Feminism.