Driven to a Fiery Death – the Tragedy of Self-Immolation in Afghanistan

This article discusses self-immolation among Afghan girls & women. Although reliable data are not available, there are indications self-immolation is occurring at a notable & steady rate. Reviews of this practice indicate forced & child marriages as well as violence perpetrated by husbands, in-laws, & husbands’ other wives are common precursors of self-immolation. In one study, self-immolation was said to have occurred after victims spoke out against or sought help in alleviating the violence to which they were being subjected. More programmatic work is called for to prevent & intervene in violence against women. (3 refs.)