'Elaheh Rostami-Povey demonstrates in this important and powerful book that US intervention has not led to any dramatic improvement in the status of women. Highly recommended for understanding the situation of Afghan women, their efforts to represent themselves, and their rejection of stereotypes' Eric Hooglund, Bates College 'This volume addresses unasked but fundamental questions about post-conflict development in Afghanistan. Elaheh Rostami-Povey offers important analysis and moving illustrations of the difficulties faced by women there. It is vital reading for those wishing to understand aid and reconstruction.' Haleh Afshar, University of York Using Afghan women's voices, Elaheh Rostami-Povey holds a mirror up to the West. The picture, though increasingly familiar, of Human, in particular Women's Rights being used to mask Imperialist warfare does not make comfortable viewing. This respectful but forceful book demonstrates how urgent it is that at least the feminism of the privileged must, once again, confront and change itself. The intellectual argument of Afghan Women is made through a portrait of what is happening on the ground in such a way that one is able to see and think at the same time - an exemplary integration of empirical and analytical work. Truly an important book.' Juliet Mitchell, University of Cambridge 'There are few subjects more timely than this study of Afghan women and few people more qualified to examine them...Afghan women in this book are the subjects of history, not passive objects waiting for the condescension of Western liberals. We hear in their own words what they feel about their lives, and how they struggle to achieve education and any sort of independence.' Lindsey German, Socialist Review 'An important book' 'Peace and women's rights activists will benefit from reading this accessible resource.' Peace News
