Women who constitute about half of the Afghan population face numerous problems, the most significant of which is physical and psychological violence against them. Although since the fall of Taliban regime in 2001 women’s engagement in every field of life has significantly increased, their condition inside and outside their homes has not altered much.

Domestic violence is on the rise in Afghanistan. At the same time, women are abused by their male counterparts in government, non-government and private entities. In the streets, they have to encounter abusive language by passing-by men. Existence of such a trend makes life difficult for girls and women who come out of their homes for going to schools, work or other purposes.

Women are employed for various jobs especially in major cities of Afghanistan. In the recent years, women have been encouraged to join Afghanistan’s police force due to the important role they can play as police. According to Ministry of Interior, there are around 2,200 women serving in Afghanistan national police force that make only 1% of this force. Meanwhile, the ministry plans to double their number by 2014.

Evaluations indicate that women in police face more difficulties than women working in civil organizations. There is an average of one female police officer for every 10,000 women in Afghanistan, where reports of violence against women rose by 25 percent in 2011-2012, international aid agency, Oxfam said last month. Women who join the police face huge challenges, both inside and outside the force, such as violence, sexual harassment and lack of equal treatment to their male colleagues, it said. "Policewomen often lack basic items, such as uniforms, which male colleagues receive. Many find themselves performing menial tasks (such as making tea)," the report added.

Participation of women in Afghan police, despite the unfavorable condition prevailing for them, indeed speaks of their courage, zeal and determination to serve the country. They must encouraged by the government and serious measures should be taken to avoid violence against them inside the police force. This will result in motivation of other women to join the police force.

In the traditional society of Afghanistan, the policemen can play a pivotal role especially in crimes that are related to girls and women. Investigations of such crimes should be handed over to women police officers, they should be delegated more authorities and their male counterparts should not be allowed to treat them as inferior part of the force. Like other countries of world, Afghanistan too is in need of useful services of policewomen. Therefore, serious and immediate steps should be taken to address their problems.