Question

How does a parent’s relationship with his or her daughter while she is a bacha posh compare to after, when she is asked to present herself as a girl again?

Answer 1

In Afghanistan, "bacha posh" directly translates to "dressed like a boy" for children who are born female. The families may choose to raise their daughters as bacha posh to ensure safety and a better quality of life.

During their childhood, bacha poshs are allowed movement to run errands, escort sisters, go to school and get an education, and even play sports. The parents give much freedom to bacha poshs. Once she reaches puberty she is expected to switch to a conservative women's lifestyle; to marry and have children. The parents behavior towards their daughter during and after the bacha posh phase is contradictory - the relationship towards their daughter is the complete opposite afterwards.