Mariam And Rasheed: The Struggle Of Women

Women have limited opportunities to have a prosperous life due to the unequal treatment that is based upon gender roles in society. The suffrage of women in Afghanistan is based on; the constant abuse and control over women by men, the loss of freedom, expression of oneself, and the authority’s use of severe restrictions that dominates their way of living. Forced marriage is one of the many aspects in the oppression of women that is evident in Afghanistan. Young girls who are forced into an unwanted marriage, begin to face many challenges such as enduring the cycle of abuse and losing self-control. Mariam becomes more submissive and fearful of Rasheed, whose temper and displeasure dominate her life. The power that Rasheed holds against Mariam

He [shoves] two fingers into her mouth and [pries] it open, then [forces] the cold, hard pebbles pushing into it…. Mariam chewed” (Hosseini 104). This is the beginning of the cycle of abuse for Mariam, as she begins to realize her unfortunate position in her marriage. She begins to finally understand Nana’s saying of “a man’s accusing finger always finds a women”, as Rasheed considers her a burden due to her failing attempts of starting a family with him (Hosseini 7). Her acceptance is evident when she chews the pebbles. Mariam’s acceptance of the abuse allows Rasheed to further mistreat her in an abusive way. Her endurance of Rasheed’s power begins to take control over her life and result in a negative state of mind. Furthermore, the burqa is an object that acts to oppress women’s identity in the Afghan society. The use of burqa prevents Mariam and Laila from reaching out for help, since no one can truly gain an insight into their lives. As well, their access to freedom and expression of individuality is denied. Their loss of identity is also evident through the traditional use of the burqa as they are not being given any way to express

The current strict laws that the Taliban establishes prohibits oneself from self-expression and their access to basic human rights. Women are forced to adapt to their new distressing lifestyle, as it prevents them from supporting their children and gaining greater knowledge, since they are “forbidden from working” and “forbidden from attending school”. The banning of the education rights for girls prevent an entire generation of girls from becoming educated and empowered. This allows the Taliban to remain firmly in power without having to worry about a women's uprising. The gender role differences is also relevant as the Taliban only set these restrictions on women, while allowing men to live a carefree life. The disallowance of women working is another method of forcing women to heavily rely on their husbands for financial support, which prevents them from being independent and making a living. Since they are required to “stay inside” their “homes at all times”, they are in a way becoming socially imprisoned. Since they cannot go out in public without being escorted by a male figure, ultimately leaving them hopeless, fearful, powerless and isolated from society. Both Mariam and Laila’s life choices are limited due to the Taliban’s restriction that is obligated upon them. The societal standards of a women such as; taking away their freedom of speech,