Possible Solutions to the Sufferings of Afghani Women in Nadia Hashimi’s novel, That Pearls Broke Its Shell

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to prove that the sufferings of Afghanistan women is the result of the practicing outdated, harmful cultural beliefs and the societal pressure exists on men to prove manhood, and the blind belief in the religious script without trying to know the real meaning of it as reflected in the novel, That Pearl That Broke Its Shell by Nadia Hashimi.  

Methodology and approaches: This study is designed in a qualitative way. Extensive approach is used to examine topics such as gender, culture, psychology, religions which are not directly related to the novel.

Outcome: Unable to confront her husband directly, Rahima escapes from her house after her son’s death and dresses like a man and leads a free life like once her grandmother did. Eventually Rahima finds out her own survival tactics. It is observed that it is in the hands of women to take initiative to free themselves from all clutches.

Conclusion and suggestions: Afghanistan men are actually in need of intellectual inputs from other countries. Taliban leaders should be in touch with other Islamic countries where women are treated with dignity. The freedom of Afghanistan women is only in the hands of Afghanistan men. If at all they understand the capability of women; the need and functions of men and women’s body; the negative results of following old fashioned cultural practices; the science behind the functions of men and women’s brain; the correct interpretation of Sharia; the problem of Afghanistan women can be resolved.