Friday 26-03-2021 - 07:36

 

Considering defining moments for women that have happened within the last year, attention must be drawn to the extraordinary achievements surrounding the #WhereIsMyName campaign.

 

This campaign aims to give Afghanistan women a sense of identity.

 

Currently, within afghan culture, women are referred to as "wife of" or "daughter of" their husband or father. Using a women's name in public is frowned upon and can be considered an insult, and many afghan men are reluctant to use the names of their sisters, mothers or wives in public. Women’s names are omitted from wedding invites, prescriptions, gravestones, death certificates and children’s Birth Certificates.

 

The movement has therefore come about as Afghan women feel like their identities are being taken away from them. They believe that when men deny women of their identities, they suffer mental and self-esteem issues that make them feel excluded from the world.

 

Afghanistan culture has to be respected, and many women feel that it would be dishonourable to use their names; however, many women are beginning to be more vocal that male honour within Afghanistan reflects an extremely patriarchal society -  a society which needs to change.

 

 

 

The Campaign Itself

 

The #WhereIsMyName campaign aims for afghan women to reclaim their identities.

 

The campaign started in 2017 when LeLeh Osmany first shared her opinion on the fact that having a name is a human right and shouldn’t be taken away from women. The main goal of this campaign is to persuade the Afghan government to allow mothers to have their names on Birth Certificates.

 

This campaign highlights a society where violence and abuse against women still remains a major problem. Through the campaign's work, it is hoped that women are becoming empowered to talk out about abuse; giving women an identity will provide them with a voice and the strength to stand against abuse.

 

The campaign took to online and social media platforms where men and women showed support and raised awareness for inequality and abuse. There has been a lot of praise and criticism for this campaign and it has caused a considerable amount of debate. However, through raising awareness and promoting the cause, women are being empowered and no longer remaining invisible and powerless within society.

 

 

Recent Successes

 

Over the last year, the campaign has seen a considerable amount of success.

 

The Afghanistan president has signed a new law stating that, for the first time, mothers will be named on their child's birth certificate and identification cards.

 

This means that for Afghan women, it is easier for them to get education, healthcare and other documents for their children. This gives all women more identity and more power within society, but also significantly supports women who have had abusive relationships and are seeking a divorce.

 

It is a major worry for many women that becoming a single mother means that they won't be able to support their children, but due to the efforts of the campaign Afghanistan women raising children alone.

 

This is a fantastic step in normalising women's public presence in Afghanistan. This year's theme for women's day was to stand up against inequality and this campaign is a perfect example of how women worldwide are becoming empowered and standing up for their rights.

 

 

Ruby Penaluna is the current Women’s Officer at Edge Hill Students’ Union. To get involved with our future campaigns at Edge Hill, join our Women’s Network today.