tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390653757053553954.post6334141060493793822..comments2023-05-06T16:25:08.360+01:00Comments on Paul Crofts' Blog: Views from an independent socialist: Muslim Women Speak OutPaul Croftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13807075315953688979noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390653757053553954.post-47302610274397770382010-03-22T06:58:50.315+00:002010-03-22T06:58:50.315+00:00REPOSTED TO CORRECT TYPOS:
I was tempted to comme...REPOSTED TO CORRECT TYPOS:<br /><br />I was tempted to comment and put forth some opinion, but have chosen to sit on the fence.<br /><br />However, I thought it would be interesting to throw some facts out there.<br /><br />I work in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, so have seen first hand some of the culture in the 'home of Islam'.<br /><br />Firstly, my understanding is that the burkha/abaya is the body covering, niqab - face veil, and hijab - head scarf. Apologies for my ignorance if these are wrong, but even here people often use the wrong terms sometimes.<br /><br />Many women here do fully cover up (head scarf + veil), though it is not a religiously enforced act. It's through choice or insisted upon by husband/family. The rules are purportedly more strict in the capital Riyadh where it is often enforced (i hear).<br /><br />Many women local and ex-pats choose not to cover their faces and hair is free flowing! One 'rule' that is adhered to, though again not strictly enforceable, is the wearing of the abaya (full body black wrap a.k.a. burkha). Again, here, they don't 'have' to wear it, but them must be covered up to ankles, wrist, neck; in practise it's not often, if ever, you'll see a women not sporting the traditional black garb. Quite silly in this heat, especially when men traditionally wear nice cool white outfits!<br /><br />Most women don't like the situation but it's just the way of life here. Other things that are the way of life:<br /><br />Women cannot drive. (no comment, it's just the law.)<br />Women absolutely cannot associate with men that they are not related to. Period.<br />All cafes/restaurants (even McDonalds) are segregated; singles section / family section.<br />Some schools are co-ed, but mostly ex-pat, plus it is frowned upon.<br />Petrol is cheap (sorry, it's not relevant, just thought i'd gloat. :P )<br /><br />Food for thought....vikhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16177946661274272789noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390653757053553954.post-38700863485403063592010-03-22T06:43:13.105+00:002010-03-22T06:43:13.105+00:00This comment has been removed by the author.vikhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16177946661274272789noreply@blogger.com