In Saudi Arabia the government and judicial system
are based on Saudi construction of Islamic law which in a way maintains the gender
status quo in the society. The Islamic Shari’ah law that is followed by the
country does not offer equality to women. The Quranic text and Hadith are
subject to individual interpretation that favors the inferior rank of women to
man. These biases in the scripture and the society are clearly reflected in the
biases that exist in its laws. - Where are the other social institutions that
aim to work against women oppression? Where’s the social media that highlights
even a minor incident happening in other part of the world? Why are we completely
ignoring these biases and not fighting against them?
However, some of the countries are progressing to
fulfill their duty of providing welfare and security to of all its citizens,
including women too. An example of such state is Turkey and how it has created
a pro-feminist state. Earlier forms of Feminism, specifically the ones
practiced in the West were all modified in Turkey. Ontology of State Feminism
has embodied itself in creating a state which has successfully challenged
patriarchy. State Feminism in Turkey began during the times of Ataturk Kemal,
and is often criticized by the conservatives. Turkey’s State Feminism is
creating new discourses for women, which are not limited to that of the West or
East.
1 comment:
There are two points I think you need a bit of conceptual clarity on.
First is the distinction between the Saudi interpretation of the rights of women and the Islamic interpretation of the rights of women. Although it should be self-evident, it worth emphasizing that these two things are not the same. Whereas the Saudi approach can be construed as conservative and even in certain regards deeply patriarchal, the Islamic approach - depending on one's interpretation of what the Islamic approach actually is - can be viewed as progressive and pro-feminist. In the Saudi case, there is a divide between what Islam preaches in theory and how it is then interpreted in practice.
The other issue is the notion of a pro-feminist state. I think that gender equality issues are important and it is laudable that Turkey has taken steps to promote women's rights. However, women's rights are being stifled all across the world in multiple ways and it is important to recognize that beyond just state actions, we need societal changes in beliefs, culture, and norms. Only then will women be able to get an equal seat at the table.
Post a Comment