http://www.arabnews.com/?page=7§ion=0&article=61448&d=2&m=4&y=2005
Saturday, 2, April, 2005 (22, Safar, 1426)
The Voices of Resistance From Within
Tariq A. Al-Maeena, [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Over the past several years, numerous columns and features
have appeared in both the Arabic and English press in this country focusing on
women's' rights and calling for more freedom for them to pursue their
independent destiny.
And the government has cautiously responded, beginning with
issuance of women's nationality ID cards, and subsequently targeting more
professions for women - something unheard of a decade ago. While private
business had earlier taken the lead, ministries today are slowly joining the
bandwagon in creating more jobs for females in various sectors. The Foreign
Ministry and the Passports Department are but two that have responded to the
growing awareness of utilizing the forgotten half of our work force. There are
also moves to eliminate the need of a male guardian in several of their
business affairs.
But in spite of these opening avenues, the response from
women has been surprisingly disappointing. Other than the few hundred thousand
urban and city-bred or the foreign-educated women who grabbed the challenge,
there are many who are seemingly uncomfortable with the pressures of having to
change. And puzzling as it may be, it is the mindset of these women that adds
significantly to our social resistance to amend.
In talking to a few of them who are adamant against the
"corruption of our way of life" as they prefer to see it, these women are not
hesitant to parrot some vague reference to our religion forbidding them from
venturing into the tomorrow. And when reminded that their interpretations are
misguided according to renowned scholars, they remain stubbornly unconvinced.
Just what has got them to this stage? Twenty-five years ago,
there was more free thought and less fear and suspicion of change. Women made
the news then, while universities were admitting record numbers of female
students. In fields of medicine, education, law, media and business, women were
quickly establishing themselves. There was an atmosphere of challenge, a
building of a nation that each felt they had to contribute to. And some of
those early female students went on to distinguish themselves in various fields
and earn international recognition.
But not long after that, subtle variations started taking
place within our schools and society.
Religious edicts flowed in uncontrolled torrents rejecting
one progressive thought after another. Women soon disappeared from the media.
Women's businesses were conducted behind closed doors. Approaches to ministries
to process paperwork had to be done by a male guardian. Banks would not open
accounts for women unless the consent of their male guardian was in evidence.
And the intensity of such acts kept increasing, with vociferous debates on what
constituted a proper veil, why women couldn't drive and what professions were
noble and limited to women and the like.
And not surprisingly, most of these restrictive declarations
came from men - men who paraded around pushing their own repressive
interpretations of Islam with authority. Grudgingly, women found solace either
in teaching in an all girls' school or else retreated into their shells waiting
around to get married.
Our educational institutions were not far behind in promoting
this new wave of oppressive thinking. End-of-the-year celebrations were frowned
upon in certain schools, deemed by some teachers as a wasteful sin.
Some schools went as far as banning any shows put up by
students to celebrate Mother's Day. Intra-mural activities between girls'
schools were abruptly stopped, and the prospect of physical education for our
girls was quickly buried under a morass of indigestible edicts. The dress code
became more restrictive, as did the thought process of those who administered
such schools.
And thus a new generation was shaped. One who lived a life in
fear of sinning. Everything was either deemed black or white. Creativity and
queries were replaced by strict obedience, or else the sword of utter damnation
hovered above their heads. They were expected to conform to this school of
thought and soon knew no other. Many fathers and husbands used the prevailing
atmosphere with moral authority in repressing the female members of their
families to their own advantage.
And it is these women today who form the mass of resistance
from within. Conditioned by men into beliefs that left them with very little
stature, these women remain a considerable number within our society. Until and
unless change comes from within them, there is very little the government or
anyone else for that matter can hope for in promoting their God-given rights.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Has someone you know been affected by illness or disease?
Network for Good is THE place to support health awareness efforts!
http://us.click.yahoo.com/rkgkPB/UOnJAA/Zx0JAA/uTGrlB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->
Post message: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subscribe : [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Unsubscribe : [EMAIL PROTECTED]
List owner : [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Homepage : http://proletar.8m.com/
Yahoo! Groups Links
<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/proletar/
<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
