Afghanistan undeniably remains a conservative society staunchly committed to traditional, cultural, social and religious values. Afghan people regard their Islamic and national values as most sacred and stand ready and willing to do whatever is necessary to preserve them. Anything in clash with the values of the society invites a strong reaction from people, thus whoever is trying to act against those values will soon be doomed to downfall. The history of Afghanistan is full of occurrences in which governments and politicians have collapsed due to acts trampling the values or such allegations. “Family honor” is an extremely sensitive issue in Afghan society. Even rumors about tarnishing family honor can make it impossible for governments and political movements to survive.
Allegations of sexual harassment and abuse of women in the government, especially in the Presidential Palace, are of great worry and sadness. General Habib Ahmadzai, a former advisor to President Ghani, accused some elements within the Presidential Palace of systematically promoting adultery and vice, adding that some of the president’s aides were involved in seeking sexual favors from women in exchange for government posts. Later on, BBC also published a report about sexual harassment and affairs in ARG. Quoting to Afghan women, the report said a presidential advisor and a minister had asked them for sex in return for jobs. In a recent development, Gen. Ahmadzai has apologized to President Ghani, the First Lady, and women working in ARG for his statements.
The claims of sexual harassment and abuse of women in government institutions must be thoroughly investigated. It should be ascertained to what extent the allegations were factual, and if they are found to be true, the culprits must be punished in the light of the country’s applicable laws. Otherwise, Afghan people should be given assurances so that they can permit their female family members to serve in the government. The continuity and non-investigation of such allegations can create barriers to women to work. It is the responsibility of government leadership to find out the truth. In an environment beset by uncertainty and allegations, it will be difficult for families in an ultra-conservative society such as Afghanistan to let their female members to work in the government. Any indifference in this respect can deprive Afghanistan of the potential of half of its population – women.