FREE, BUT IMPURE Pakistan: The Kalash women

Sandra Ballesteros & Miguel Celis

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In contrast to Pakistani culture, Kalash women seem to enjoy certain freedom; they have no obligation to cover their hair, they can change spouse, and there isn't separation by sex. However, because of the concept of purity and impurity ingrained in their religion, the woman, considered impure, is relegated to being subordinated to men on the basis of her physiology. The consideration of pragata, impure, is a huge limitation of their daily mobility, from bathing and washing their clothes outside the home to having to abandon them during menstruation or childbirth to isolate themselves in the bashaleni, which is a historic patriarchal strategy that continues to prevent the empowerment of Kalash women.

Rumbur and Bumburet Valley. Pakistan

Located in the North-West Frontier Province of Pakistan, the Kalash people live in three isolated mountain valleys: Bumboret (Kalash: Mumret), Rumbur (Rukmu), and Birir (Biriu). These valleys open towards the Kunar River, some 20 km south (downstream) of Chitral.