Protests and Women

February 15, 2011

Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Oman, Yemen, Sudan, Somalia, Djibouti, Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, and Iran are currently experiencing protests from small to large. A common thread between these nations besides the protests is the treatment of women.

Ritual sexual mutilation of females is common in rural areas of Eqypt, Oman, Somalia, Mauritania, and Yemen. Iran’s record on women’s rights has been questionable: from domestic abuse to stoning deaths. In Egypt, Oman, Yemen, and Jordan married women must get permission from their husband to travel abroad. In Saudi Arabia, women must get written permission from their closet male relative to leave the country or travel within the country.

In 2006, UNIFEM did a comprehensive study in Syria regarding the treatment of women. From their website: “It is hoped that the report will bring the issue out into the open, and stimulate dialogue on topics such as honour killings, domestic abuse, forced marriage and sexual assault.”

Here’s the UNIFEM study that details the mistreatment of women throughout the world: http://www.unifem.org/attachments/gender_issues/violence_against_women/facts_figures_violence_against_women_2007.pdf

The Egyptian people have demanded a new government and change. Perhaps other countries will follow. How will women fare in the aftermath after these political uprisings? Hopefully in a place of respect, safety, and freedom.

Guardian’s Twitter Interactive Map of the World’s Protest: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/interactive/2011/feb/11/guardian-twitter-arab-protests-interactive

The Protest Links:

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/137095/after-egypt-winds-change-blowing.html

http://blog.amnestyusa.org/middle-east/the-women-in-the-square/

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/oman-protestors-call-for-fight-against-corruption–374524.html

http://www.voanews.com/english/news/More-Anti-Government-Protests-in-Yemen—-116111529.html

http://somalilandpress.com/people-in-djibouti-protest-againts-president-gelleh-19925

http://news.nationalpost.com/tag/saudi-arabia-protests/

http://www.todayonline.com/World/EDC110214-0000145/After-Egypt,-protests-spread

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12336960

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110208/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_gulf_next_protests

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/05/AR2011020503866.html