THE FACE BEHIND THE VEIL
By JAYANTA SHAW
After the Taliban's rise to power, women and girls were systematically discriminated against and marginalized, and their human rights were violated. This resulted in the deteriorating economic and social conditions of women and girls in all areas of the country, in particular in areas under Taliban control. Women and girls continued to be severely restricted in their access to education, health care facilities and employment. During the Taliban's rule, only about 3 per cent of girls received some form of primary education. The ban on women's employment also affected boys' education, as the majority of teachers had been women. Poor health conditions and malnutrition made pregnancy and childbirth exceptionally dangerous for Afghan women.
After decades of bloodshed and turmoil, the scarred nation of Afghanistan is facing up to the colossal task of rebuilding. After September 2001, the Special Adviser on Gender Issues and Advancement of Women continued to address the situation of women's rights in Afghanistan in meetings with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and other senior officials within the United Nations system, in inter-agency consultations and in meetings with representatives of non-governmental organizations. She also facilitated contacts between Afghan women and women's organizations and the UN system and supported the organization of the Afghan Women's Summit in Brussels, and follow-up meetings with the Secretary-General and members of the Security Council in an area Formula meeting. She also called on Afghan women to return to their country and former jobs, including in the civil service and elsewhere.
I was in Afghanistan on February 2003 for my official assignment .The fresh start that The fall of the Taliban gave to Afghan women and the challenges and the hope that lie ahead for the impoverished nation. For years, the image of the Afghanistan's Muslim woman in photo has been shrouded in secrecy, as mysterious as the face behind the veil.
#1. AN AFGHAN GIRL SITS IN CLASS ON FIRST DAY OF THE SCHOOL YEAR IN KABUL.
An Afghan girl sits in class at Ferdosi High School on the first day of the school year in Kabul March 23, 2003. There are three sessions per day to accommodate the number of students at the school, the biggest girls school in the Afghan capital.
#2.BURQA-CLAD AFGHAN WOMEN LOOK AT VARIOUS REPLICAS OF LANDMINES NEAR KABUL
Burqa-clad Afghan women look at various replicas of landmines during a mine awareness program by the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) at their clinic near Kabul March 5, 2003. Despite massive mine clearance so far, ICRC estimates about 80 to 120 people are maimed or killed by landmines everyday in war-torn Afghanistan, the most mined country in the world.
#3.AN AFGHAN WOMAN BLOWS A BUBBLE NEAR KABUL.
An afghan woman blows a bubble while taking part in a mine awareness program at the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) clinic near Kabul March 5, 2003. Despite massive mine clearance so far, ICRC estimates about 80 to 120 people are maimed or killed by landmines everyday in war-torn Afghanistan, the most mined country in the world.
#4. AN AFGHAN WOMAN WITH HER CHILD IN FRONT OF HER TRADITIONAL MUDDY HOUSE
An Afghan woman with her child in front of her traditional muddy house outside of Kabul March 2003. Since the Taliban were forced from power in Afghanistan, more women's clothing shops have opened in the capital.
#5.AFGHAN WOMEN DRESSED IN BURQA SHOP FOR SHOES IN A MARKET IN CENTRAL KABUL.
Afghan women dressed in burqa shop for shoes in a market in central Kabul on March 29, 2003. Since the Taliban were forced from power in Afghanistan, more women's clothing shops have opened in the capital.
#6.AFGHAN WOMEN WATCH HOLY PROCESSION FROM ROOFTOPS IN KABUL
Afghan women watch a holy procession from rooftops in Kabul on March 13, 2003. The tenth day of the first month (moharam) of the Arabic lunar year, also known as Ashura, is observed with processions and prayers throughout Afghanistan. Ashura commemorates the anniversary of the death of Hazrat Imam Hussain, the grandson of prophet Mohammad, killed along with his 72 companions more than thirteen centuries ago in a battle in Iraq.
#7.AN AFGHAN GIRL IS LOOKING FROM THE BURQA
An Afghan girl is looking from the burqa for mother during monsoon in Kabul March 2003. Since the Taliban were forced from power in Afghanistan, more women's clothing shops have opened in the capital.
#8.AFGHAN GIRLS INSIDE OF THEIR TRADITIONAL MUDDY HOUSE
Afghan girls inside of their traditional muddy house outside of Kabul March 2003. Since the Taliban were forced from power in Afghanistan, more women's clothing shops have opened in the capital.
IN SEARCH OF ENLIGHTMENT
By DEBASISH TARAFDAR
The motto of all religions is to enlightenment and develops their followers in to a true human being. Tolerance, nonviolence, sacrifice of all earthly attraction and complete faith in god is the main features of all religions. Buddhism, one of the ancient religions, has been enlightening and developing their followers through ages with these teaching.
Monasteries, the home of Buddhism, not only preach religion but also enlighten their inmates through religious teaching, hard labors, regular prayers and discipline. Lamas or the Buddhist monks have to go through a discipline life since their initiation. There is a convention at some places that at least one member from every Buddhist family must be sent to the monastery for being a Lama. Since their initiation at an early age the “Lamas” have to lead a disciplined life from dusk to dawn. At the very beginning they are made aware of their duties and responsibilities to man and society and build up themselves likewise. It is obligatory for them to join the religious formalities while the warship of Lord Buddha is in progress. A Lama is trained to be self dependent like a student in a hostel. He must take an active part in all sorts of indoor and out door works in the monastery. He may have to peel vegetables for cooking or wash utensils along with other works. The life of the Lama is not stripped of extra curricular activities. They often take part in ordinary games with great joy and excitement. Education brings proper enlightenment and development in human beings and the Lamas are not exceptions. They have to go through the religious books and also the general books on science, history etc. besides attending prayers regularly.
Thus through years of hardships, disciplines, prayers and education a Lama becomes enlightened and establishes himself as a true bearer of Buddhism.
