Shaaperai, 35, is unmarried and works at home.
Kabul— I have heard of human rights from television and by talking to people, but in Afghanistan our rights are not transparent. I don’t know how to get information about my rights and I don’t know what kinds of rights I have.
I expect that human rights were supposed to be given equally to the poor people, the same as the wealthy people. I expect the government to control the rights.
For example, my uncle and his wife had five children—four boys and one girl. My uncle died as a result of a serious illness. His wife was not able to take him to the hospital or to get medicine for him, and then she also died of the illness.
After that, the brother of my uncle took their land and all of the family’s property. He did not give a thought to the five children. No one helped the children when their parents died. The orphaned children try to work to care for themselves, but they are very poor.
My wish is for the government to give women their rights. This could provide opportunities to women. Our laws do not protect the women, and they do not punish the men. I want to fight and take my rights, but I need someone to guide me. We are not educated. Other countries support and guide women. We want our country to be like that.
By Shaaperai as told to Humaira
Photo: Canada in Afghanistan/Zakarya Gulistani
Dear Humaira,
Thank you for another sad, but important story. It is heartbreaking to think of children trying to survive on their own. It is wonderful that you are taking the time to give women like Shaaperai a voice. We need to know what the problems in Afghanistan are in order to try to address them. Thank you! Suzanne
This is a web site that lists Afghanistan government:
http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/afghanistan-government.htm
It looks like the Ministry of Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs, Martyrs and Disabled – Social Welfare Program is who you need to talk to.
The minister is: Amena Safi Afzali daughter of Amanullah Natqi Afzali was born in the year 1957 in a knowledge loving and pious family in Herat Province. I am sorry there is no
contact information on the web site – no address, no phone number, no e-mail. The government is suppose to be in Kabul so there must be an office there. I am sorry your government does not work.
There should be social workers to help you and the orphan children.
Have you tried to get government or church help through your mosque. If they do not help try the Catholic Church. This bad uncle should be thrown out of the mosque! It is called ex-communicate in Catholic. If I find out more I will post again.