Go to the original source of the article at http://www.jadaliyya.com/pages/index/4001/sexual-violence-is-a-crime-sometimes and write a note to Mikdashi in which you express your take (opinion) on any of the points she makes. Copy your post on this blog as well so I don't have to follow 50 links.
Dear Ms. Mikdashi,
ReplyDeleteThank you for a very inspiring article. Indeed women in our part of the world are still unfortunately considered appendages to a male figure who has control over her, be it a father, brother or spouse. One of my students, however, made a very interesting comment two days ago. She said something to the effect of Arab females should not accept the roles imposed on them that diminish their standing as an equal. In other words, if we accept to be second class we will be regarded as second class so part of the issue is about women standing up for who their are and not hiding behind false facades aligned with social confinements.
This also applies to marital rape in one way or the other. If a female takes on the role of an appendage, she will be treated as one. This is not to say that females who are raped are responsible or in any way accountable for their rape. But in the household, a man would think twice before raping an equal.
Zane Sinno
Dear Ms. Mikdashi,
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree with you more about the current state of our patriarchal society when it comes to rape and women rights. Women should be treated as definite equals of men and they can't be blamed for getting raped. Women get raped because someone rapes them and that's that. I love how you mentioned the fear that strikes them even after the rape, and how they don't disclose any information to their families. The exact opposite should happen. I think you'll agree that If we are to evolve as a society and if we are to aid and help each other out, we can’t live in fear of rejection and alienation. Thus, the rape victim’s family has to stand by her side and support her emotionally, physically and legally. Reputation/marriage shouldn’t precede a person’s welfare.
I share your frustration when it comes to not criminalizing marital rape in a lot of countries. Once again patriarchy is implemented in the law and women have to suffer for it. Our teacher spoke of the limitations the law implies on women in Lebanon and she shared your points, focusing on the right to give the Lebanese nationality to your children. I also admire how you encouraged people to go on the protest on January 14th, stating that it's their duty, and presenting your wish to join them.
Mohamad Khadour
Dear Ms. Mikdashi,
ReplyDeleteI want to start off by saying I think your article was very inspiring. You raised an issue that not many people are aware of. I totally agree with you about societies being patriarchal. Instead of both genders having equal rights, men are favored. Yes in some areas women are trying to fight for equal rights but most of the time their voices are unheard. Society has given men an upper hand in so many things yet for women, expectations are all they have to keep up with. When two people get married they become one. In certain areas it is believed that women are supposed to submit to their husband. I personally think when two people get married there should be an equal amount of respect from both spouses. An aspect of marriage that requires great respect is having sex and when to. If one spouse doesn’t want to have sex with the other, the spouse should not be forced too. It is not fair on a woman if her husband forces her to have sex. That is marital rape. Getting raped is a horrible thing; not being able to tell your family is even worse. That is what happens to a lot of women that are raped by their husbands; they aren’t able to tell their families. I agree with you on everything you said and I think it was really good how you encouraged people to attend the protest; raising awareness for those in this situation.
Layal Jammal
Marital Rape should definitely be penalized. Many might say that the woman married the man in the first place and it should be her duty to please him. But that does not give him the right to violate her in any way or form. Sometimes men hide their true identity until after the wedding and then become violent predators who treat their wives like garbage and even vice-versa. It is the spouses duty to show the husband his limits. Even if in some religions it is stated that it is the women's obligation to please her husband, women should not blindly follow what any holy book dictates. Rape is rape, no matter who is involved and its actions must be severely penalized before the court of law, but for that to happen, the wife must be brave enough to step up and admit to what is happening to her. Moreover, before a woman could do that, the law must give her a civil right to be able to safely press charges against her husband without the fear of him getting away with it and then taking revenge on her. The law must be set straight, and we must all try to help women in need
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