Women’s rights in the Middle East are being restricted, therefore there are many different reactions. Some people were in favor of women having equal rights while there are some who are against women to have the same rights. Since before times, many countries in the Middle East have been taking women for granted and minimized their rights by telling them they can't do something or selling them as if they were prized. When women were treated as prizes it was a practice in Afghanistan called Ba’ad that used women as the compensation, for example a story of a girl named Sakina. She was a consolation prize so that her brother could marry a woman and the Jirga system told her she had to marry a 80 year old guy when she was like 18. This tells me …show more content…
that women did not have the same equal rights that men had which can lead different people have different opinions.
With the limitations of women's rights in the middle east there are people who a for women and think they deserve the same rights. For example, a document that was pro women was document 1 because it was about how an Afghan woman was abused by her husbands and other men, but she never let that bring her down because in the end she said “But i am woman, woman, a woman a …show more content…
statue of Love, and I will rise.” This means that no matter what any man says she will always find a way to rise up. Another example is document 2 because is was an image that showed men fighting for women's rights by wearing burqas. What this means to me is that not all men are horrid people and that there are some that are not against women. Document 3 is an example of how some women like to wear the veil out of their own will. For example, a quote I found was “But most Muslim women, including most in the US, voluntarily opt to wear the headscarf out of religious commitment. They believe they are following God’s wish…” What this is saying is that there are some women who really do like the headscarves and that they all don't think that the headscarves are oppressive. This is showing that the men don't have to force women into wearing because the women like it. Another example is document 7, this image is showing how an Iran soccer player hit a goal while wearing a hijab. This is showing me that some women are not going to let wearing a hijab stop them from doing what they please but this could also show how she wants to prove to men and make them understand that even if she has to be forced to live under their rules, she wouldn’t let that affect every aspect of her life. In document 9 proves to be pro women because it was about how women had a choice. In Dubai women had the right to study whatever wide range profession they wanted and even though they are told not to do something the women won't listen because they don’t want to see their dreams being blown off. Finally document, 6 is Malala talking about how terrorist invaded Swat and invaded the place, and she told this to let people know what's happening. Malala wanted to speak up even if it meant she'd be killed because she wanted to stand up for the rights that they have and not be trampled by the terrorist. This document is showing that even if you take their rights with treats, it won't work because someone will always fight for what they believe is right and Malala never gave up. I concur with what all these people, those who fight for the rights of the confined women, do because I image about how I would feel and what I would want others and myself to do and I know that I want people to help me and the other women. Even though there are people who are pro women’s rights there are some that are against women’s rights.
For example document 4 is saying that Khomeini wants to take Iran 1400 years back, which in my opinion is odious for women because back then women have no rights at all so this shows that he doesn't want women to have any rights. Another example is that in document 5 it's saying that women are treated as people who have to obey men. A quote from this document is “Curriculum should focus largely on Islamic religious studies, Quranic Arabic and learning basic cooking, knitting and other skills, in order to prepare women for their role at the centre of the household.” What this quote is saying is that women should learn the basic curriculum in Islam but should also learn how to do household work so that they would do an adequate job at being the housewife. I don't agree with what he says because I want women and other people to do as they please and study whatever they want and if they don’t want a husband then they shouldn't have to take those classes. Finally document, 8 is saying that women should not do what men do. This document is saying that Nawwaf, a Saudi Arabian man, doesn't want to let women drive and wear clothing that reveals their bodies a lot. He said that if women would learn to drive, then next thing you know they'll start doing and going wherever they want. In these documents its showing the people about what's happening in the Middle East about women's
rights, but I feel like a document where it will show many different women's perspectives towards the limited rights would be helpful because we will be able to comprehend more on what they think and feel. In the Middle East, women’s rights are being limited and because of that there are people who are supportive towards women and there are some who oppose the idea. The people who are supporting women's right are having a positive impact for women because they feel like they matter rather than having the people who don't support them in making them feel as if they're not useful. There are many different ways different people show their support for women, some are wearing the headscarves and there are some who are speaking up the rights of women. There are many different ways in which we could help the women and everyone in the Middle East have equal rights. Imagine having your rights being confiscated from you, what would you do?
With such a unanimous resentment, particularly in the dominating religious sect of Iran, it is important to address the ideologies within the religion enforce the country’s patriarchal social structure, i.e. the “form of social organization in which males dominate females” (text 38). Furthermore, with the Islamic Revolution of 1979, these attitudes were the driving force behind many of the discriminatory laws that confined women in Iran to a life defined by its limitations.
Document 7, a letter to the First Lady of a Romanian Communist dictator known for a lavish lifestyle urges for changes in the country. Written by an anonymous women's group, the document shows the harsh differences between the working class and the upper class. The letter speaks of a life where after spending hours toiling in factories or building sites, women can not find a source of food despite the strenuous work they give to the country daily. It clarifies the desperation for change in a time where women are the least of concerns of leaders, and where one woman is living a life of luxury, another mere miles away may not find food for days on end to support her family which leads to hunger and misery. Document 2, written by a woman Soviet official demands that a member of the Komsomol should not allow the necessary veiling of a female family member. This statement was groundbreaking in a time where women, especially Muslim women, were treated like nothing more than objects. Document 2 pushed boundaries and enforced strict repercussions for anyone who would argue the mandatory veiling being abolished in the communist Soviet Union. This document proves that women were mistreated through the veiling, and is written by a woman for other women. Lastly, Document 1 validates this same mistreatment in Russia
The place of women in Saudi society is determined by a deeply conservative culture, vindicated by a narrow interpretation of religion, and enforced by law. That place it would appear is at home, subservient to and legally dependant on their male guardian. Saudi society suffers from pervasive segregation along gender lines and women's freedom of movement is impeded, forcing them to rely on male chaperons.
3. I do feel that this document explains woman’s roles in this society. Woman were and are still treated badly for the most part. Many woman in these countries are raped and held only to produce. I do feel that some people take the words literally and some do not. Like with any religion there is going to be bad and good with the religion. I do not agree with little girls getting married, they are still children
Firstly, gender discrimination is not an exclusive feature of Saudi Arabia, but it is a more outwardly visible problem there. Gender discrimination and male superiority are most visible in Saudi Arabian culture because “inhabitants of the region where the Arabic language predominates are, despite their diversity, bound into a singular cultural unit with a particular gender system” (Tucker VII). If one group of Arabic individuals hold misogynistic views, or thinks that males are the superior gender, it is very likely that other Arabic individuals will as well. Individuals of the Arabic culture, regardless of their location share a particularly conservative and traditional set of moral beliefs the same way Christians from America may share similar beliefs with Christians from Europe. One belief most Saudi’s have in common is their “conservative view toward women” (Al-Mannai 82). Middle Eastern individuals know what behaviors to expect from each gender, and what each gender should and should not do. An effect of holding such a belief is that a man’s role in Saudi Arabia tends to be one of dominance and power; the male is the ruler ...
The thought of women having equal rights has caused major controversy throughout American History. Women have fought for their rights for many years, wanting to be more than a wife or a maid. Women’s Rights Movement was an effort by many women around the U.S standing up for themselves. Feminists like Charlotte Perkins Gilman had a big impact on the movement by writing stories and articles, she spread awareness by writing these. Throughout this Movement women got the right to vote, and many more opportunities they were not offered before.
In the declaration of sentiments and resolutions, Elizabeth Cady Stanton states that "The history of mankind is a history of repeated injuries and usurpation on the part of men toward women, having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over her" (205). Gender inequality is a well known issue that has existed in all countries around the world. For instance, in the past, women did not have the right to seek education and occupation, to take part in public and economic events, or to own property. Today, the oppression of women in the Middle East still exists because of three major issues.
Despite the drastic changes made toward the improvement of equal rights there a still many problems that have been overlooked, or simply ignored. According to Mario Osave, (2010) “Thirty years after the adoption of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), many girls and women still do not have equal opportunities to realize rights recognized by law. In many countries, women are not entitled to own property or inherit land. Social exclusion, “honor” killings, female genital mutilation, trafficking, restricted mobility and early marriage among others, deny the right to health to women and girls and increase illness and death throughout the life-course.” (Shah 1)
Trofin, Liliana and Madalina Tomescu. “Women’s Rights in the Middle East”. Contemporary Readings in Law and Social Justice Vol. 2(1). 1948-9137 (2010): 152-157.
Preceding the conclusion of the American Revolution began a push towards equality among women and slaves. With the writing of the Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson, the words “All men are created equal” had become the motto of the people ever since. In the 15 years after the American Revolution, the idea of both Women and Slaves having equal rights as the traditional white male took off. These ideas were further publicized by the likes of Abigail Adams, the Quock Walker Case, and Thomas Jefferson himself.
Moreover, several court cases and laws are made to oppress women. In Afghanistan, women must please their husbands (Graham-Harrison). Forced marriages have been used to secure political relations and use women as pawns. Court cases passed to favor the rapist in rape crimes spreads rape culture. Laws are being made to prevent abortions even in the cases of rape and incest. “It is a travesty that this is happening” (Graham-Harrison). Women haven’t been president yet. One third of pregnant women are killed by their husband (Valenti). Shiite laws oppress women. They must have sex with their husbands (Gebauer). But no one talks about this because its not men they are affecting.
Middle Eastern women need to stand up for their rights and get educated to reverse the notion that they are servants and properties of their men. Furthermore, they need to rise up to their potentials and prove beyond doubt that they are equal to men. This practice would lead the path for future generations to follow and protect the inalienable rights of women. Finally, these women need to break the cycle of oppression by addressing these deeply rooted beliefs, gaining the tools to fight back, and joining forces to make lifelong changes.
The Iranian Islamic Revolution of 1979 created a lasting affect on the societal role of women through modern day Iran. Women in Iran before the revolution were not entirely treated equal to men, but despite some cultural perceptions of women being inferior to men, they had made progress to become socially equal under the Shah. Several misconceptions and theories have been published and studied to show the inequality of women versus men because of Islam. However, contrasting theories have also been made to show that inequality has little to do with the religion, but instead with the forceful nature upon which it was implemented in the revolution. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the Islamic and political history of Iran and its social implications over Iranian women.
The Women of the Middle East have played substantial roles for their corresponding countries since the advent of colonialism in the region. Middle Eastern women have worked in all types of fields including medicine, education, agriculture, government, private sector, and even defense. They have kept roofs over their family’s heads while their husbands were away in wars, or even in foreign countries to work in jobs that they could not find in their own countries. The roles of women in the countries of Yemen and Oman are no exception, but while they still find ways to contribute to their country, they care constantly stereotyped, discriminated, and ridiculed by men who are known and unknown to them. This paper will discuss the individual contributions of the women living in Yemen and Oman, and will discuss in further state laws and cultural norms that are affecting the women living in these countries today.
The portrayal of the Arab woman has always been through several different perceptions. Some believe that these women are weak, dependant and victims of a hyper patriarchal tradition and culture. They live their lives as if caged from one man to another. First it is their father and brothers and then their husbands and sons. It is true that Arab women do live within patriarchal traditions and cultures but the same can be said for majority of the women around the globe. A much more accurate perception can come only through the realization that what popular Western concepts conceive as women liberation and independence does not necessarily apply to every women around the world. One must understand the culture, religion and traditions and history of a people to know what their ideas regarding concepts such as liberation and independence are. In the west for example women were allowed to vote relatively recently compared to Muslim women who were allowed to vote over fourteen hundred years ago, the same could be said for owning businesses and property and the right to a career. One of the most popular beliefs in the Western world today regarding oppression is that women in Arabia are sexually controlled by their men. This has been brought about especially by the concept of the Hijab as being one of the channels to control women’s sexuality and freedom. It can be argued that in various cases this is true but one cannot commit such a grave injustice and put all Arab women under one umbrella and stamp them as sexually oppressed. The fact is that the Middle East is a region where many states, cultures and identities exist.