Intersectionality of Dual Identities: Afghani Hazara Women

Abstract

Kimberlé Crenshaw, the founder of the theory of intersectionality said, "when there's no name for a problem, you can't see a problem and when you can't see a problem; there's no way you can solve it." 1 The Hazaras, are one of the most persecuted minorities in Afghanistan solely because of their race. 2 Women, in most patriarchal societies are oppressed through different forms of violence and exploitation. Combinedly, through these two identities based on their race and gender; Afghani Hazara Women are oppressed doubly. In this paper I will, through analyzing both the customary and codified inheritance laws of Afghanistan, argue that the Hazara women are legally and socially denied of equal property rights and conclude that the law must look at society through an intersectional lens in order to truly secure equality.