Women’s Rights and the Advancement of Democracy in the Middle East
Since time memorial women in the Middle East have experienced denial of formal voice and office where they could express their rights. They have got no place where their opinions, ideas and actions could be mobilised for the well being of the society. Engagement in politics is not only an activity meant for men but women must also be involved. This is what has led to the participation of women in national movements, military and politics to enable them also be heard by the society.
Society in Transition: The Position of Women
These channels present good sites and vehicles for negotiation of women rights and modification of their lives, since it is easier to challenge the authority from these points (Suad and Slyomovics, 5-10). Regarding the specific role of activism, women are better peace negotiators than men since they are more concerned and disposed towards compromise and also have got the ability to contain their attitudes towards international conflict (Frances). National movements offer women with opportunity for championing their rights by enhancing their participation in politics within Middle East.
Furthermore, the movements’ especially civil societies act as good catalysts for the involvement of women in politics and provide them with alternative vehicle that enables them to fight for their rights both within and outside families (Suad and Slyomovics). Civil societies have taken the initiative of equipping women with necessary skills that enables them fight diligently in ways that would eventually improve their lives. Women have offered support during political struggles through their active participation in the processes involved.
Women Involvements in Politics and Empowerment
Several examples have been outlined of successful Muslim women who have ascended to power through participation in National movements. This gives lots of hope to future generations that empowerment of women in the Middle East is a possibility and will one day materialize. The following table highlights key figures and institutions mentioned in the current transition:
| Key Entity | Role and Impact |
|---|---|
| Barakzai (Afghanistan) | Rose successfully into political power by winning a parliamentary seat. |
| Yanar Mohammed (Iraq) | Active voice for women’s rights; contributed to establishing a human rights organization. |
| Civil Societies | Act as catalysts for political involvement and provide skill-based training. |
| National Movements | Vehicles for negotiation of rights and challenging authority. |
These illustrations bring better understanding on the future freedom that awaits women within Middle East society (Ida).
Religious and Legal Obstacles to Development
The relationship that exists between women and their responsibilities within the Middle East society has been greatly affected by the law which presents them as inferior to men (Ahmed 66). The laws are basically formed from the religious point of view hence do not provide any separation between government and religion. The religious courts and family courts present powerful institutions in the Middle East and these acts as major obstacle towards development of women within the society. This is because these institutions are known to be gender biased and confers much power to one entity which leads to poor allocation of rights. Cases concerning women have not been considered due to gender biased rulings (Suad and Slyomovics, 10-20).
Education and Employment: Tools for Freedom
Do women find more rights and freedoms through employment? Statistics in the Middle East shows that there exists big disparity in gender literacy level and education resulting into low women employment. Middle East societies focus their attention on the duration of time that women have had suffrage rights. They look at the possibilities of women contributing to labour force through employment and even getting involved in active politics.
Employment and education presents vital tools that have enhanced women’s participation in building Middle East societies. This is because employment offers women opportunities for making informed decisions and make contributions to public forums as well as getting involved in important government duties. Employment opportunities present women with the chance to learn same critical type of arguments that men enjoy within Middle East societies. In most of the Muslim Nations women can attain high ed...