In Solidarity with the Afghanistan Women’s National Football Team

Written by Shamila Kohestani

As the first captain of the Afghanistan Women’s National Football team and one of the people who were part of the program from its inception, it is my duty to speak in solidarity with the team members who have come forward with stories of violence and harassment. The only way we can fight misogyny is through sisterhood and uniting the whole country to stand behind women. That’s why I’m writing as an individual to use my voice to support the women of my country at a time when sexual harassment allegations are being politicized.   

I am disappointed that the Afghan government is not directly addressing this issue of sexual harassment but is rather playing politics.

I am disappointed that while addressing the issue, President Ashraf Ghani, said “the honor of our women is the honor of our country.” This statement is problematic because it reinforces the very same ideas that lead to violence against women. We are not merely the honor of our men and our country. We’re individuals with the right to respect and dignity, not because of our men or because of the image of Afghanistan, but because we are people. Tying women’s respect to men’s honor is what leads to honor killings and sexual violence. I am disappointed that we are not thinking about women as individuals and humans but instead are thinking of them as the honor of the whole nation.

I am disappointed that religion has once again been used to silence women.

I am disappointed that when women raise their voices against sexual harassment, they are blamed for it. I’m disappointed that this happened to our national team who have sacrificed so much to represent us around the world.

I am disappointed that women are being used against other women to defend men.

I am disappointed that nationalism and preserving a certain image of Afghanistan is more important to our people than knowing the truth and standing behind the women who have come forward. 

I am disappointed that so many are focused on destroying the Football Federation rather than investigating the truth, seeking justice, and making it easier for girls to play.

I am disappointed that people are harassing the current Women’s National Team due to these allegations, instead of holding the alleged harassers accountable.

I am disappointed that the women of my country, especially those on the Women’s National Football Team, are suffering and that we may not have the Women’s Committee in the Federation in the future because women are often punished for raising their voices.

I am disappointed that women of my country may potentially have the opportunity to play football taken away from them because of harassment. Football is an amazing game that gave me confidence and freedom and it saddens me that because of harassment, people are arguing for women not playing it at all. That’s not the solution.

I am disappointed that misogynistic people have twisted the situation as an excuse to destroy the women’s committee in the federation rather than speaking about the issues of sexual harassment that are present in every faction of our society.

I am disappointed that instead of investigating the truth, some people are blaming the women who came forward and threatening them into silence.

Finally, I am disappointed that the powerful game of football, one that instills leadership skills, dedication, and independence in so many woman has been used as an opportunity to take advantage of women.