Gender, agency and identity, the case of Afghan women in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran

Elaheh Rostami-Povey

Journal of Development Studies, 2007, vol. 43, issue 2, 294-311

Abstract: This paper will discuss how Afghan women, as diverse groups, exercised autonomy and agency in diaspora (Iran and Pakistan) and in Afghanistan under US-led invasion. Negotiations between social, political, economic, ethnic, cultural and gender spheres are a constant battle for Afghan women. They have invented different ways of coping with life, under the most extreme forms of coercion, fear and high levels of uncertainties. In diaspora, despite marginalisation, they established women's voices and agency. Exile became an important factor to reshape their identity according to their diverse positions. Under NATO and US-led invasion they are challenging imperialist representation of Afghan women. They are seeking freedom from hierarchical and patriarchal domination. They hope that their active agency will enable them to establish their own identity free from male, ethnic, religious and imperial domination. The paper will draw the attention of the reader to the enormous influence of state policies (Afghanistan/US, Iran, Pakistan), as well as the impact of women's movement in Iran and the NGOs in Pakistan, on the lives of Afghan women and men in Afghanistan and diasporic communities.

Date: 2007
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DOI: 10.1080/00220380601125149

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