Afghanistan

SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: One of the most significant issues in the contemporary world is women's legal status and social activities. Afghanistan is at the forefront of women's discussions due to its drastic changes and developments. This article aims to examine the status of women in this country's traditional and historical context to provide a solution to various issues and problems. METHOD & FINDING: Our findings indicate that Afghan women have faced numerous challenges throughout history, although there were periods, such as the Kushan Empire age when they found a respectable position. The advent of Islam initially promoted cultural tolerance and respect for women, promoting their status among Muslim nations. However, during the ‘Umayyad and ‘Abbāsid Dynasties, class and racial discrimination contributed to a decline in women's status. The emergence of local dynasties such as the Ṭāhirīds, Ṣafārīds, and Sāmānīds brought political stability and gradual cultural development, although women's social participation remained limited. The Ġaznavīd era marked a turning point, providing a more favorable environment for women's education and rights, while the Timūrīd era witnessed the peak of women's involvement in social affairs.CONCLUSION: Overall, the status of Afghan women has fluctuated considerably, with their current situation experiencing significant ups and downs due to changing political circumstances. By reflecting on the past, we aim to provide insight into their status from history to the contemporary age.

Marital infidelity is a deeply damaging interpersonal event that triggers cognitive, emotional, and behavioral responses in the affected spouse. This study aimed to examine the reactions and cognitive-behavioral-emotional coping mechanisms of women facing marital infidelity. The research methodology employed was applied both in its objective and qualitatively in its execution. The study sample comprised 18 women residing in Herat City, Afghanistan, who had experienced spousal infidelity and sought counseling in the year 2021. They were purposively selected and interviewed using a semi-structured approach. The interviews were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's (2021) thematic analysis method which resulted in the identification of three main themes chaos (initial reactions), involvement (secondary reactions), and revival, 11 subthemes (behavioral, psychological-emotional, mental, and psychosomatic response, changing circumstances, involvement in activities, companionship, adaptation, seeking therapy, self-care, and coerced continuation of the relationship) and 114 primary codes. The research findings indicated that the cognitive-behavioral-emotional process of Afghan women facing marital infidelity unfolds in three stages: chaos (initial reactions), involvement (secondary reactions), and revival. Furthermore, it was observed that affected women exhibit varied behaviors at each stage and undergo different emotions and thoughts. Factors such as the manner of infidelity disclosure, quality of marital relationship, religious beliefs, social and familial support, societal perspectives, limitations in choice, lifestyle, and the presence of children play significant roles in shaping their cognitive-behavioral-emotional responses. The practical implications of this research findings can be beneficial for counselors working with Afghan couples dealing with marital infidelity. Keywords: Behavioral-emotional reactions, Marital infidelity, Women, Afghanistan