The 5 W's of Feminism
- Averi
- Jan 18, 2016
- 4 min read
The 5 W's of Feminism
Who?
Ask yourself this question:
Do you think women should be politically, socially and economically equal to men?
If you answered yes, then you're a feminist. Simple as that.
Unfortunately, some people have the wrong understanding of what feminism really is. Those with the idea in their head that feminist's are just angry women who hate men and shaving their underarms couldn't be further from the truth. Anyone can be a feminist, men included. As long as you believe in the equality of the sexes, you are considered a feminist.
What?
Feminism isn't only fighting to abolish the dress code at school or freeing the nipple. Don't get me wrong, I fully support both these movements. I completely agree dress codes are degrading to women and it is important that we work on desexualizing the female body, but while some people are fighting to wear shorter skirts and walk around topless, there are some women in this world fighting for their life. I think some people seem to lose sight of the bigger issues that women in this world are facing. In Saudi Arabia, women have very limited rights. All women are required to have a male guardian, regardless of age. Women are prohibited from driving drive and are discouraged from working jobs that put them in contact with men. Sex segregation is expected in public. In restaurants, banks and other public places, women are required to enter and exit through special doors. Even places such as beaches and amusement parks are segregated, even sometimes so that men and women attend at different hours. The quality of education is also lower for females. Textbooks are updated less frequently and teachers tend to be unqualified. However, above all these issues, domestic violence is the most salient. Domestic abuse in Saudi Arabia started to receive public attention in 2004 when a television presenter, Rania al-Baz was severely beaten by her husband. After she had answered the phone without his permission, he threatened to kill her. Every day, women become the victims of abuse. Until 2013, violence against women and children was not seen as a criminal matter in Saudi Arabia. In August 2013, a law making domestic violence a criminal offence was approved The law calls for a punishment of up to a year in prison and a fine of up to 50,000 riyals, which is $13,000 UDS. The law criminalizes psychological and sexual abuse, as well as physical abuse. Though the new laws were welcomed by Saudi women's rights activists, some were concerned that the law could not be implemented successfully and that the tradition of male guardianship would remain an obstacle to prosecutions. Child brides in Saudi Arabia are also common. Currently, there are no laws preventing early marriage in Saudi Arabia. A 2009 report stated, "Early marriage negatively influences their chances of employment and the economic status of the family. It also negatively affects their health as they are at greater risk of dying from causes related to pregnancy and childbirth." In one case, a young girl named Shareefa married an 80 year old man when she was only 10. The deal was arranged by her father in exchange for money. Years later, her mother attempted to take legal action, arguing that "Shareefa is 21 now, she has lost more than 10 years of her life, her chance for a normal education, a decent marriage and normal life." Other issues such as sexual violence and human trafficking are prominent as well. Though punishments for rape are usually enforced by the government, there is no written law which specifically criminalizes rape or prescribes its punishment. There is also no prohibition against marital or statutory rape. Many cases have also been reported where women have had acid thrown on their face, which is known as an acid attack. Attacks often occur as revenge against a woman who rejects a proposal of marriage or a sexual favor. e long term consequences of these attacks may include blindness and permanent scarring of the face and body, along with social, psychological, and economic difficulties.
Although new laws are being made, and further actions are being taken to prevent domestic violence and discrimination towards women in Saudi Arabia, women still face these issues every day of their life. Their stories are not being heard, they are not getting the help they need, which they need now more then ever.
When and where?
Right here, right now. Most women feel as if they do not have a voice, that there is no way they can make a change. But you can. Even the simplest act can help. Spread the word to your family, your friends. Let these women's story be heard. Every little step attributes to create a bigger movement.
Why?
Women empowerment is so important. We need to eliminate the gender gap and inequality between men and women.
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