When Arab men are given the perceptibly God-given right to make decisions on behalf of Arab women, who are at least 50 per cent of the population, power abuse can occur. In order to avoid such abuses (such as familial related sexual, physical, mental abuse and unpaid alimonies) women need to be granted more power. The problem is that women often do not have the means to make their voices effectively heard in family legal proceedings.

According to Dr Mahan Al-Ghana (the Acting Manager of the National Center to deal with violence in Bahrain), there is a misunderstanding in Arab countries regarding the role of men in society. She added that many people misinterpret religion by believing that men are the guardians of women, which is wrong. People wrongly apply Sharia law.

While family violence is despised, it nevertheless persists. Dr Ghana, said there is a particular problem with sexual violence, as many Arabs believe a woman cannot be raped by her husband. Moreover, family violence persists at all incomes (wealthy and poor alike) with mental abuse increasing with wealth. Secretary-General for the High Council of Women for the Kingdom of Bahrain (Lulu Al-Awadi) indicates that although Gulf states are conservative, they should review their laws pertaining to women. There are many cases of abuse that cry out for an immediate change in the laws governing the rights of women. Short of the appropriate interpretation of Sharia law, a codified judicial system or personal status law (like the one sponsored by Bahraini first lady Sheikha Sabika Al-Khalifia) needs to be developed that, more effectively protects women from being abused.

The media are responsible for raising the level of awareness among our citizens. Arab media has an important role to play in changing the hostile mentality toward women and shaping a positive public opinion toward new initiatives for progress and development. There are concerted efforts by responsible Arabs, and governmental and non-governmental institutions and organizations, to alter the stereotypes of Arab women and Arab society abroad.

Unfortunately, those who do not want to correct mistaken images work against our gaining self-respect among other nations by opposing any improvements and resisting any changes for the better of the Arab world. They want to keep the Middle East isolated from the rest of the civilized world and insulated from any foreign initiative that they deem “un-Islamic.” There is no denying that there are many concerns and issues related to our national security and unjust policies imposed on Arab and Muslim states; nevertheless, Arabs need to learn to deal with such perceived injustices in a professional manner, that is, if we want to be taken seriously in influencing their rectification.

Reformers will not succeed and our countries will not develop without changing the extremist mentality and negative attitudes toward women. Journalists, columnists and educators have a responsibility to raise the level of awareness among those citizens who have been brainwashed and pushed into adopting a rigid and inflexible attitude; part of the problem is that exaggerated suspicions and condemnation are exhibited toward anything that is foreign — since, if it is foreign, it must be wrong.

Citizens must also learn to acknowledge the diversity of different nations and other cultures so that we can receive our share of respect as well. It is essential for the media to educate the public on how to engage with the international community, politically, economically, and culturally. Disrespect for international conventions and disregard for world public opinion will surely have a negative impact on our global standing, and hinder the government’s efforts to play a more prominent role around the globe.

 

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