Gender Discrimination 'is Embedded in Arab Culture'

From the Daily News of Bahrain - May 14, 2008

Gender discrimination 'is embedded in Arab culture'

DISCRIMINATION against women is embedded in the culture of the Arab world, delegates at a conference on women's leadership role heard yesterday.

Prejudice and inequality existed at every level of society, particularly in its education and legal systems, said former United Nations General Assembly president Shaikha Haya bint Rashid Al Khalifa.

She said the rapid economic development of the Middle East was leading to greater opportunities for women to become economically independent and said now was the time for them to play a more prominent role in their communities.

Shaikha Haya made the comments during the opening ceremony at a one-day Women and Leadership conference at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa.

"True gender equality can only be achieved if more women assume leadership positions," said the lawyer.

"The concept of human rights is based on the notion that all human beings are born with equal rights and freedom.

"Yet in the Middle East, women face multi-layered and multi-dimensional discrimination that is embedded in our culture, education systems and the legal framework.

"This discrimination often goes unaddressed, not only by men or states but by women themselves who more often that view their predicament as natural."

Shaikha Haya was president of the UN General Assembly for 12 months until September and was the first Muslim Arab woman to hold the post and only the third female in the history of the UN to do so.

She said arguments used to justify the deficit in female empowerment were often religious in nature, but historically Muslim, Arab women participated in all aspects of life politically, socially and economically.

"Women's rights are often restricted if they are perceived to conflict with the rights of the family unit," said Shaikha Haya.

"Often traditions are associated with religion, making them far more difficult to criticise or change."

Shaikha Haya also argued bi-cultural anxiety brought about by rapid socio-economic change meant some parts of society were keen for men to keep control over women to ensure that tradition was not lost.

Responsibilities

"It is up to women, now more than ever before, to be critical in redefining their roles, whilst keeping in view their responsibilities towards their families," she said.

Shaikha Haya added action must be taken to reverse restrictions against women in the legal sector, particular in relation to family laws.

"In the case of divorce, women cannot obtain one without court proceedings and judge approval, whereas men can divorce their wives by a mere verbal declaration," she said.

"These rules deprive women from maintaining peace and security within their home as they are constantly threatened by divorce or polygamy."

Shaikha Haya said Bahrain's educational system also required further modernisation, including more emphasis on subjects like philosophy and theology to nurture critical thinking.