Earlier this week, The world press photo of the year was released, and announced Jodi Bieber as the 1st place photographer. The winning photo is of a young Afghanistan girl. Aisha was found by US militants after she was punished and left by her husband for trying to escape the abusive marriage. She was 18 at the time of the incident. She has received reconstructive surgery on her face and ears in America and now seeks refuge there.The photograph is a sharp reminder, of the inequalities that still exist globally today. This week, the topic of discussion in class is “Culture and Health”, relating it our on going theme, and the photograph of the year, we decided to investigate women’s rights, and the access to health care in Afghanistan.
“For nearly 20 years, armed conflict and violations of international human rights have devastated the health and well being of Afghan people”(Rasekh et al. 1998).
Now over a decade later, despite international effort, the situation still remains grim (Globe and Mail, 2010). In 2001, despite the efforts, and attempts of international organizations and governments to improve the situation in Afghanistan, conditions have not improved-- largely due to the fact there is no international consensus on how to ‘rebuild’ Afghanistan (Behind the veil: C6). Moreover, with such a unstable political situation, there are several indicators that these have been some of the hardest and brutal years Afghans have faced in the last three decades, especially the women (Globe and Mail, 2010).
Now over a decade later, despite international effort, the situation still remains grim (Globe and Mail, 2010). In 2001, despite the efforts, and attempts of international organizations and governments to improve the situation in Afghanistan, conditions have not improved-- largely due to the fact there is no international consensus on how to ‘rebuild’ Afghanistan (Behind the veil: C6). Moreover, with such a unstable political situation, there are several indicators that these have been some of the hardest and brutal years Afghans have faced in the last three decades, especially the women (Globe and Mail, 2010).
Outside of the city centers, access to healthcare is minimal. Distances are vast, and very little infrastructure is established. Woman have to walk immeasurable distances just to receive basic healthcare treatments (Amowitz et al. 2002). In a study conducted in (2002) by Amowitz et al. 92% of the maternal deaths occurred in the rural areas. This is coupled with the situation, that treatment is not even guaranteed, as fear and political regimes have seriously impacted women’s ability to received healthcare.
Today, women still struggle with access to basic rights, the Canadian newspaper, The Globe and Mail has an excellent multimedia feature: “Behind The Veil” on their website that investigates the current situation in Afghanistan, this is website describes the hope, fears, dreams, and hardship, these women face you can access it on this link: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/behind-the-veil/
In addition, here is a short clip that also highlights the struggle on receiving medical care and child birth.
Sources:
Amowitz L.L, Reis C & Iacopino(2002) Maternal mortality in herat province, afghanistan, 2002: an indicator of women’s rights. Journal of American Medical Association. 288(10): 1284-1291
Rasekh Z, Bauer H.M,Manos M, Lacopino V (1998) Womens health and human rights in afghanistan. Journal of American Medical Association. 280(5): 449-455
Make women’s rights canada’s postwar priority. The Globe and Mail 28 Sept 2010. Retrieved from:
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