Freedom is a Basic Human Right - contest#103

in #hive-1244522 years ago

"Hey! Your shirt is too short."

"You haven't covered yourself with dupatta (scarf). You can't go out like that."

"Why are you wearing too much makeup?"

"Why you want to study more? You are not going to work. You are only supposed to look after your home. Your in-laws won't like you doing a job."

"You can't have a say in this marriage. Your father and uncles will find a suitor for you."


These statements may sound weird to most of you but in the Middle Eastern and South Asian world, the female gender is used to all this crap. This culture of women subjection to the male gender has been practiced for so long that it is engraved in the society now. Not only men, but even women also think that this is the right way, and as if it wasn't enough, they also make sure the fellow women are submissive enough.

Islam is a beautiful religion, but its teachings have been misconstrued by the Muslims themselves.

No doubt, Islam teaches modesty. It asks women to cover themselves up and at the same time asks men to lower their gazes in the presence of women to avoid the chances of any sin.

But everyone focuses on the statement for women and ignores that for men. Moreover, women are being oppressed and killed for not following the religion like that poor Irani girl.

It's like correcting one deed by doing two wrong deeds.

Yes, Islam says to preach your fellows and tell them if they are doing something wrong. But there is a proper way of everything and prejudice, enforcement and bloodshed are surely not one of them.

If women are to be killed for not following religion, then I want every man to be hung if he puts his shameful gaze on a woman or if he oppresses the women of his home. Because technically he is also committing sins of oppression and killing. On the contrary, men get away with everything.


The tragedy of that Iranian woman didn't come as a shock to me for obvious reasons. I live in Pakistan where such cases are a norm. The triggering factors are not always exactly the same, but the root cause is patriarchal society.

Islam does provide certain authority to men over women, but it doesn't demean women in any way rather feminine gender is considered delicate, worthy of love, respect and protection.

For instance, males are given the financial responsibility and it's up to women whether they want to stay at home or work.

Infact, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)'s wife Hazrat Khadija (RA) was a successful businesswoman of her times.

Hazrat Umme Ummarrah (R.A) showed her bravery in many battlefields.

There are many other such examples from Islamic history but the Islam which is practiced today is less of a religion and more of a cultural mix.


I live in such a place where the women don't even know their basic rights. I consider myself privileged to born in a Muslim family which is not so conservative and equally treats sons and daughters.

Still, I wish for some things to change but I believe bringing a change is a long process. The least I can do is not to repeat what I endured or what my friends are suffering from.

If I had a daughter, I would have liked to raise her as a strong independent woman. Being a mother of boys, I think I have more responsibility towards the society. They are very young to understand these things, but they sure observe, and everything sets in their subconscious which will emerge with time.

My husband is open-minded and a supportive partner. Kids see what their father does for me. I am hopeful they will do the same for their wives and daughters when they grow up.

All male relations in my life are so supportive regardless of the toxic society we live in. My father always gave priority to my happiness; my brothers always encouraged me to achieve my goals and my husband is so supportive of my every decision.

I can't imagine, if things were the other way round, what had I been doing? Probably sulking in a corner.


I think men need counselling and both men and women need to understand that no gender is superior to the other. Men are protectors of women not their owners. Women also need to stand up for themselves and report cases of violence, no matter how trivial they are and whoever the culprit is.


I think of moving to another country, but the core reason is not patriarchal society. Probably because I haven't suffered from it firsthand. But I have examples of my close friends who temporarily moved to other countries for studies but are now reluctant to move back because they are not used to conservative culture anymore.


To cut it short,

Most women haven't tasted what freedom is like, so they are happy in their little cages.


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Sketch made by me exclusively for this contest


I invite @hivedeb to participate in this contest.

Regards,
event-horizon

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It's so touching to know that this story is too practical and you reside in such an environment. I wish we will bring the true practice to what is preached than take it to the extreme point.

Women suffer most in the society and I wish justice can be brought to fight for this younger lady.

Thanks for the invitation and my love to your family who gives you the best and helps you achieve your aream in no little way.

The world is cruel. I pray for proper law enforcement against such heinous crime.

Thank you so much for the love. I do feel lucky to have a supportive family.

but its teachings have been misconstrued

When do they say to fallow the order of Surah e Nisa why they forgot there is some ethical mentioning for them in Surah e Mominoon?

You are a responsible mom as the moral values set you for your boys would change society. As we are influenced by multiple personalities. And you are right their father would become an inspiration for them too.

If I would conclude that women's rights are being misspelt in Pakistan by some elite class would you agree with me. Anything which happens with lady in glasses is pointed, synthesised and criticized but women living in the lower middle class only face hate if she rises their voices. And all the time she hates that society and keeps herself grinding in an unfavourable environment. So she is happy in her cage. !LUV inspired by your thoughts dear💙


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Nice write up
I really hope those women Taste what freedom is and be happy forever

I really hope who tastes freedom gets the freedom as well otherwise just tasting it for once will make the poor souls more miserable.

You're right
What i mean there is forever

Thank you for your entry to our weekly contest! 💜🌟

!LADY

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Though the topic was very sensitive for me but tt was my pleasure to take part in the contest and be able to share my thoughts.

In our present days, people took religion to be something different from the teaching of those who brought the religion.
Indeed you are one lucky lady to be given privileges. I wish other women in your vicinity will also enjoy this.
I also pray that peer pressure won't teach your boys otherwise from what they see from their dad.
Beat wishes

We don't pressurize our boys. We try to live an exemplary life; a life full of good lessons and deeds. Children don't do what they are taught rather they do what they see. ,(:

You are right though.

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So fortunate are those like you who grow up in an environment or family that doesn't prejudice women and don't consider them any less. I somehow wished more parents like yours(and you) will do the same thing for changes to occur, otherwise, such will drag on ever for years to come. And it is vital that women know their basic rights so they won't just accept what comes to them and they can break free from the "societal norm" that they have been exposed to.

There's a saying -

Charity begings at home.

If we want to see changes in the society, we must start practicing those at our own home first.

I totally agree on that. It definitely begins at home. It's where our core values are formed.

I almost shed a tear reading this piece...so poignant.

If women have the same approach like you they would be extremely happy and safe in their society but the reverse is the case of Mahsa Amini.

From my research also, the men has less trials than the women...they can humiliate a woman and is jailed just for 10 days which isn't enough. There's a one-hour re-education session, why not allow her go through it again.?

The rate of women subjection is way too much and like you correctly say they're adapting to it as norm and also helping others be like that because they do not want problem.

What do they see in women that if we stand up against them that there would be war???

Any woman is meant to be respectable, loyal and submissive to her husband because of the law in marriage that's how it should be... I hope in years to come this would lighten up... Rip Mahsa!

Hearing stories like that of poor Masha's always boils my blood. Some men cross all the limits of humanity. I wish we get rid of such barbarian souls. If they have a soul at all.

It's true that men got more authority over women in a marital relation but that in no way means they got a right to ridicule or prejudiced them. They are supposed to protect them not harm them.

Exactly my point!
They should be protected and also allowed to make opinions regarding few things. It was simply a matter of talking to her. May she find peace✌🏾

If women are to be killed for not following religion, then I want every man to be hung if he puts his shameful gaze on a woman or if he oppresses the women of his home. Because technically he is also committing sins of oppression and killing. On the contrary, men get away with everything

Exactly! This is just facts and it's really saddening. Men will commit more grievous crimes but theirs is easily overlooked. Isn't that injustice?

It's unfortunate that we live in a world where religion is now used as a pretext for evil and subjugation. A change will take forever if rebellion is the only approach. I believe the change we seek should begin by inculcating the right values on children at home.

Thanks for sharing this lovely piece! ❤️

Yes, it is downright injustice and unfair treatment towards women. These are the feminine rights that people fight for.

Over the years, all religious teachings have been manipulated for personal gains.

And yes, change must begin at home. It will be a slow process but worth the wait.