The Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) on Tuesday said that local officials in Kohmard district of Bamiyan province issued a notice saying women cannot consult the health centers without their guardian or husband.
The rights body described the decision as a clear violation of the rights of the Afghan women and called on the government to enhance the awareness among the local officials about the fundamental rights of women in the country.
Meanwhile, a spokesman for the provincial governor said that action has been taken against the move in Kohmard district and there are no restrictions against the access of women to the health centers.
“This is a clear violation of the rights of the citizens, we expect that through awareness campaigns among the people, particularly awareness among the local government officials, we will be able to prevent such issues,” said Zabihullah Farhang, a spokesman for the AIHRC.
“The notification that was issued in Kohmard district regarding the deprivation and limitation of women’s access to the health services is against the law and its principles, this issue will be investigated,” said Abdul Latif Azimi, a spokesman for the Bamiyan governor.
Recently local officials in Herat prevented a music concern by prominent Afghan singer Wajiha Rastagar, which sources said may have been the result of extremist influence on the government.
The recent moves against women’s liberties have sparked strong reactions among Afghan women.
“I am really concerned about whether I am able to go to a (sports) club tomorrow and continue my training along with other women,” said Hafiza, an Afghan female athlete.
“The success and sustainability of the peace process and the outcome of the process will depend on how the role of women and their status--in addition to other social groups--is considered,” said Fawzia Koofi, a member of the peace negotiating team representing the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in the talks with the Taliban.
In March, a decision by the Afghan Ministry of Education to ban girls 12-years-old and up from singing the national anthem--or other group songs--in mixed company was met with a strong backlash from social media users and other critics.
However, the education department eventually countermanded its decision following strong pushback domestically and internationally.