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
To say that there is patriarchy in Arab culture is not denying women agency.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Acknowledging patriarchy in Arab culture does not strip women of their ability to act independently.
Mona Eltahawy's quote highlights the distinction between recognizing a patriarchal system and undermining the agency of women within that culture. It points out that women can still possess agency and autonomy despite the structural inequalities that exist around them, thereby inviting a nuanced conversation about feminism and cultural criticism in the context of Arab societies.
Themes
PatriarchyWomenAgencyArab CultureFeminism
In practice
Example use cases
Discussing the complexities of gender roles in a cultural seminar.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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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