The career women of Kabul and their struggle for an empowered identity

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the experiences of Afghan women as they pursue careers in post-Taliban Kabul and how these experiences help shape their identity. This study, through in-depth interviews with professional women in Kabul, explores how women continue to challenge stereotypes and fight various forms of oppression. The results of the study have highlighted how women in Afghanistan are motivated by opportunities to exercise economic autonomy and empowered identities that challenge both historical issues of patriarchal society. However, there are still many barriers facing Afghan women including access to quality education, political instability along with issues around challenging Western stereotypes and assumptions regarding Afghan women.