NANGARHAR - In a region not known for its theatre, a United Nations-supported drama has been making waves and challenging beliefs on the subject of women’s rights.

The Nangarhar Theatre Group has spent the last several weeks touring the Eastern Region where they have played to large crowds of men and women. The tour was organized by the Department of Women’s Affairs.

The aim of the plays is to raise awareness about preventing violence against women and the dangers of underage marriage. The plot of the drama goes like this: a poor farmer with a large family takes a loan to grow poppies. But when police destroy the poppy field the farmer is suddenly bankrupt and brought to the edge of despair.

That’s when villagers strike a deal between the father and the money-lender. If the farmer’s 12-year old daughter marries the lender, the debt will be forgiven. This arrangement is reconsidered when the farmer’s wife convinces him that Afghan laws forbid underage marriage. Village elders are consulted and an alternate arrangement whereby the farmer pays back his debt in instalments is arranged.

The last drama was performed in Kunar province on May 22 and was attended by several hundred spectators.
The play deals with a widespread problem. Although the Elimination of Violence Against Women (EVAW) law, enacted in 2009, criminalizes child marriage in Afghanistan, the practice of underage marriage remains widespread in many parts of the country. According to Elhamia, Director of Public Awareness Section of Department of Women Affairs of Kunar province, child marriage is one of the main causes of violence against women.

“We highly appreciate this project and hope UNAMA will continue supporting such drama shows, as it directly delivers a message to community elders in a good manner, to avoid from this harmful practice which not consistent Afghan Laws,” she said.

Mohamad Asif Raufi, Director of RTA Kunar, was one of those who watched the play.

“This drama reflects the reality of our society. Some of our parents, or even, many of our parent are involved in the underage marriages of their children which have very bad consequences for both families. Such kinds of dramas may highly encourage people to avoid from early marriages,” he said. “The reaction of the audience seemed to be very positive.”