Helmand Women’s Affairs Directorate on Saturday said they are concerned about a sharp increase in violence against women in the province due to rising insecurity, unwanted traditions and a lack of public awareness on women’s rights. 

According to the directorate, at least 20 cases of violence against women were registered last month, most of which included bad dadan – where girls and women are given to settle a dispute between families, often a blood dispute.

“The situation of women is a matter of concern in insecure districts [in Helmand] and women in these districts have no contact with local government offices. However, the problems of women who have migrated to Lashkargah city have been addressed to a large extent,” said Jamila Niazi, chairperson of Women’s Affairs Directorate in Helmand. 

Meanwhile, a number of rights activists in Helmand called on relevant organizations to address the issue and reduce violence against women in the province.

“The level of violence against women has not been reduced in Helmand; rather, it has increased due to insecurity. And a large number of women have little access to women’s affairs services in government,” said Shogufa Anwari, a women’s rights activist in Helmand.

The provincial office of Afghanistan Human Rights Commission meanwhile said many violations against women happen in the name of bad dadan.

“Women’s condition in Helmand is concerning, because cases of violence against women have not been stopped,” said Fatima Abidi, a member of the commission.