An Empirical Study of Women's participation in the legislative process in Afghanistan (2001-2021)

Yaqoobi, Benafsha; Kaur, Gurjeet

doi:10.22096/hr.2024.2027861.1660

An Empirical Study of Women's participation in the legislative process in Afghanistan (2001-2021)

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

Benafsha Yaqoobi ¹

Gurjeet Kaur ²

¹ PhD Candidate, Political Science, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, India.

² Assistant Professor, Political Science, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, India

10.22096/hr.2024.2027861.1660

Abstract

The legislative trajectory in Afghanistan spans nearly a century, commencing in 1923 with the inception of its inaugural Constitution. Until 2001, men dominated Afghanistan's governmental and legislative landscape, holding pivotal roles in decision-making processes. However, 2001 marked a significant turning point, ushering in sweeping socio-political transformations within the country. The primary aim of this research is to investigate the involvement of women in the legislative process in Afghanistan, spanning the period from 2001 to 2021. The research endeavors to explore the intricacies surrounding the involvement of women in the legislative sphere through the lens of a human rights-based approach. The study adopts the Congruence Model as a theoretical framework for a comprehensive examination of women's roles in the legislative process in Afghanistan. Initially, a comprehensive review of legal statutes, scholarly articles, academic literature, and official reports was conducted. Subsequently, 36 questionnaires were distributed to individuals, comprising both women and men, who possessed a deep understanding of legislative processes. Also, 10 interviews were conducted with members of parliament and legal experts. The research shows women have played a relatively good role in various fields, including legislation and passing laws. However, cultural factors, weak governance, lack of rule of law, problems in the legislative process, and the Afghan parliament had caused women not to play a major role.

Keywords

legislative process

women participation

National assembly

Wolesi Jirga

Meshrano Jirga

Subjects

Human Rights

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