Gender and women's issues have featured prominently in the political evolution of modern Afghanistan; however, traditional elements have consistently resisted efforts to change Afghan society. King Amān Allāh (r. 1919–29) attempted to transform Afghanistan into a modern state. His modernization campaign produced Afghanistan's first constitution (1924), the secularization of education, and advocated the emancipation of women.

Girls' schools were established in Kabul. Women were encouraged to unveil. Legislation in 1923 gave women the right to marry th…