AFGHAN WOMEN - The University of Montana

REPUTATION AND SHAME OF
THE FAMILY
Women carry the family’s
reputation, and men keep the
honor of the family by strictly
controlling the women so
that they do not bring shame
to the family. Since women
are the primary source of a
man’s shame, women try at
all costs to avoid actions that
bring shame to the man or
the family.
Women are expected to be
as modest as possible. Their
faces must be covered and
only revealed to the husband,
some close male members of
the family and other women.
For men the most important
elements of life are women,
money and property. If any
sort of transgression occurs
regarding women, money
or property, the owner will
be dishonored, and will
seek revenge by committing
serious actions against the
A local Afghan woman, along with her
children, are searched by Army Sgt. Peggy Hart,
176th Engineer Brigade combat medic, before
entering the room where the first women’s
shura was held.
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