Women's Rights in the Middle East

All throughout history, people have been persecuted and punished for being different. People have been discriminated against based on race, gender, social class, sexuality, religion, the list goes on and on. But one group that still lacks basic rights is women. Although most people reading this blog right now are from the U.S., we sometimes forget that the rights we have are not universal. Furthermore, the desire for women across the world to have equal rights is not universal either.

The example that led me to write about this issue is the fact that the leading political groups in Egypt are not advocating for equal rights for women. While Egypt claims to be a progressive and modern country, their policies and beliefs do not support that notion. Only two smaller parties agreed to sign pledges for women's rights. While the ousting of Mubarak is one great step for Egypt as a whole, it is only a half step forward for women.

As the picture above clearly shows, it wasn't just men who protested against Mubarak and his oppressive regime. Women had as much to do with the changes made and being made as men. And they certainly were a large part of the struggle. Many women were beaten, raped, killed, and forced to take virginity tests. 

So, why are the large majority of parties in Egypt refusing to give them equal rights? Do they really believe women are inferior to men? Part of me believes that the major reason women haven't been given equal rights is because of tradition. So much has already been changed in their society that giving women equal rights is too big of a step right now. They simply fear the change. Plus, giving women equal rights at this moment could prevent them from getting the conservative votes they need in future elections. But this thinking is extremely hypocritical. The people recently elected to parliament gave themselves power and the freedom to run for election, but didn't provide the same opportunities for others.

While Mubarak is gone, the military is slowly but surely losing its power, and a new government is being put in place, Egypt still has a long, long, long way to go. Democracy doesn't happen overnight, and Egypt is a clear example of this. It is a process that takes time, communication, and patience. I wish I could say Egypt is a successful example of a transition from a repressive regime to a democracy that encompasses all of its citizens, but it is not. There is still much Egypt has to learn. But women's rights are important to the success of Egypt as has been proved in many modern, democratic countries, and it is necessary that the new government recognize this fact and factor it into the constitution. 

Is the world ready for Hillary Clinton's LGBT policy?

Hillary Clinton 12/6/11 in Geneva giving a speech on Human Rights Day




Two days ago Secretary of State Hillary Clinton declared in front of the United Nations that discrimination against people because of their sexuality is a violation of their human rights, and that the United States will now have a "Global Equity Fund" aimed at helping human rights groups fight prejudice against this minority. I first read about this event in an article by James M. Lindsay in the Global Public Square blog, and he cited some interesting points by Republican Candidate Rick Perry on Clinton’s latest policy:

“Promoting special rights for gays in foreign countries is not in America’s interests and not worth a dime of taxpayers’ money. But there is a troubling trend here beyond the national security nonsense inherent in this silly idea. This is just the most recent example of an administration at war with people of faith in this country. Investing tax dollars promoting a lifestyle many Americas of faith find so deeply objectionable is wrong.”

Perry raises some valid points, and a few questions come to mind:

1. Is it America’s duty or place to try to promote its own values in other countries?
2. How will Americans react to this policy? Will it be well received because it coincides with our values about equality and freedom of expression, or will the conservatives balk and complain?
3. How will other countries perceive this?
4. And finally, however they decide to promote LGBT rights, will it be successful? What defines success in this realm, and how can one measure it?

Although America’s acceptance and tolerance of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people has generally increased, this same feeling is not true around the world. I can understand where Clinton is coming from; her intentions are good at heart. The policy they have laid out appears to be substantial and well thought out. But looking at this issue from the inside out, many countries are simply not ready to take the step towards acceptance, and American intervention is not going to make the process go any smoother.