Lack of political and social freedom for the Muslim women in the Middle East has added to their sufferings in many ways. The latest manifestation is the honor killings. The rigid and blind following of tribal ethos and customs in this part of the world have caused killing of many women in last several years as a punishment for choosing their grooms. Be it a love affair or reluctance to marry the persons of their parents’ choice, the fair sex in the Middle East is treated in the most unfair way.
The news from the Middle East often captures the imagination worldwide for the undue misery meted out to Muslim women there. Deprived of political rights, social status and bulldozed under stringent customs, the women folk virtually live the lives of slaves. The latest organized honor killings only add to their plight. In most cases the execution was simply because of the refusal to accept the choice of parents. Sabrin of Abu Ghanem tribe of Ramala, Israel was murdered by her cousin for refusing to marry him. Shirihina 15 years old girl was butchered by her brothers as she was willing to opt for a career instead of marriage.
Love or eloping away in this part of the world is the most heinous crime. The punishment is the severest of all. Reem, a young girl eloped away with her lover to escape an arrange marriage with an older Sheikh. Her brother, a doctor, shot her dead. Among the most of the Arab world, let alone love marriage, the desire of the ladies to study abroad or their use of telephone is regarded as taint to family honor. Though, the Government of Israel has banned such bloodlettings, yet in most of the Arab countries the honor killing is largely justified. Even in Ramala, trials for honor killings by Abu Ghanem tribal men went unpunished for lack of witnesses. No one is ready to give his or her testimony.
The honor killings are a sign of backwardness of the Muslim women in the Middle East. The lack of democratic values and chauvinistic male dominance are the main reason to create an atmosphere of fear psychosis for women there. However, positive signs have begun to appear. The increasing demand by the women for social freedom and their readiness to sacrifice than to fall in line is attracting worldwide support.
Via:NyTimes
