From Oppression to Empowerment: A Study of Pashtun Women in A Thousand Splendid Suns

Abstract

Throughout the History, Pashtun women have faced cultural restriction and patriarchal marginalization, yet many have shown remarkable resilience and strength. Tracing their journey from silence to empowerment in A Thousand Splendid suns helps illustrates the challenges and achievements of women in male_ dominated Pashtun communities. The current study aims to investigate the plight of women, their role under patriarchy and possible paths for their emancipation as illustrated in Khaled Hosseini's A Thousand Splendid Suns. Applying Katherine Murray Millett's Radical feminist theory from her seminal work Sexual Politics (1970) as a theoretical lens, the study examines the patterns of male superiority and female inferiority within the novel. This study utilizes qualitative textual analysis, focusing on lived happenings of Mariam and Laila in A Thousand Splendid Suns. Their journey reveals their sufferings, solidarity and defiant actions. They challenge traditional gender roles and claim their autonomy, symbolizing broader struggles of Pashtun women for identity, dignity and freedom. Education, awareness of rights and dismantling of patriarchy can promote women empowerment in conservative Pashtun societies.