As a feminist of Egyptian and Muslim descent, my life's work has been informed by the belief that religion and culture must never be used to justify the subjugation of women.
Mona EltahawyRead
Too often, when Muslim women speak out, some in our 'community' accuse us of 'making our men look bad' and of giving ammunition to right-wing Islamophobes.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the challenges Muslim women face when voicing their opinions, often met with backlash for fear of negatively impacting their community's image.
Mona Eltahawy's quote sheds light on the societal pressures that Muslim women encounter when they choose to speak out on issues that matter to them. It underscores how some within their own communities may prioritize the perception of their men and the community over the women's right to express their thoughts, creating a conflict between the need for vocal advocacy and the fear of being labeled as a traitor or giving credence to anti-Muslim sentiments.
Themes
Muslim WomenCommunityExpressionAdvocacyPerception
In practice
Example use cases
During a panel on women's rights, a speaker may cite this quote to discuss the importance of female voices in marginalized communities.
More from Mona Eltahawy
All quotes βI'm no fan of Sarkozy, but I support a ban on face veils because they erase women from society and are promoted by an ultra-conservative ideology that equates piety with the disappearance of women.
Mona EltahawyRead
It is the harassers and assaulters who make us 'look bad,' not the women who have every right to expose crimes against them.
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I can write about my culture and religion because I am a product of both. Even when I'm accused of giving ammunition to the Islamophobic right, in the struggle between 'community' and 'women,' I always choose the women.
Mona EltahawyRead
I believe at the heart of any revolution for social justice and human dignity are consent and agency, the unequivocal belief that I own my body - not the state, not the church/mosque/temple, not the street and not the family.
Mona EltahawyRead
I will never ally with Islamophobes and racists. But in the choice between 'community' and Muslim women, I will always choose my sisters.
Mona EltahawyRead
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