Ethnic minority women in the Middle Eastern
Introduction
The place of women in the Middle East has been in transition since the end of the nineteenth century. Middle East countries are male-dominated. Sexism and misogyny are widespread, and mistreatment and violation of women’s right is the norm that is if, at all, they are considered to have those rights. Males are superior, enjoy all rights and privileges, whereas women are considered weak and inferior and most times subject to the male. Various laws have been introduced to raise her position, including customary laws, Imported European laws, and Islamic laws, but, in a way, these laws have not been of much help. Due to male domination and superiority complex, women’s rights are abused.
Women go through gender-based violence. The most common abuse being partner violence. This form includes physical abuse such as slapping, sexual violence which involve forced sexual intercourse, controlling behavior where a man isolates his wife from other friends and family, psychological abuse where a man belittles, insults and constantly husharksavewriters.com/if-womens-roles-change-for-the-better-in-middle-eastmiliates his wife. The consequences of physical abuse include injury to body parts and deteriorating physical health. Comparatively, in America, the culture of gender-based violence exist though strict rules have been put in place to deal with such. It is unacceptable, and women have risen to raise their voices against the vice. (Kuran & Timur, 2012)
In the Middle East, women could not hold any leadership positions but that number is gradually increasing though, for example, in UAE, the minister of trade is the most important woman in the Arab world according to Forbes 2010 list of most powerful women in the world. Inclusion of women in political and civic life would trigger economic activities in the Middle East, reduce the cost of social exclusion, promote cultural development, and help foster democracy. A different culture in America, women are empowered and offered equal opportunity in leadership; they hold and compete for the highest political posts, an example of Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential race. In America, the level of inclusion has benefited the whole society and contributed to overall growth and development. (Joseph, Suad & Slyomovics, 2011)
The employment rate for women in the Middle East is at a high level. Most qualified women are not employed, but if they get employment, their pay does not equal work done. Most times, their payment is lower. They rarely get higher ranks or promotion (Keddie & Nikky, 2012). Although working conditions vary, women workers are vulnerable to abuse, including violence, forced labor, inadequate social coverage, discrimination, and exploitation. In Middle East countries where religious discrimination is high, job openings exclude applicants who are non-Muslims, or if hired, non-Muslim workers are not allowed to practice their religion freely. Western countries are alert to the fact that women are just as productive as men; therefore, equal opportunity to everyone.
Conclusion
Women form an integral part of the society, and to ensure growth and development, inclusion in every aspect of the nation is necessary. Discrimination and exclusion do affect not only the growth of a society but also has psychological and physical effects on the parties involved.
Works cited
Joseph, Suad, and Susan Slyomovics, eds. Women and power in the Middle East. University of Pennsylvania Press, 2011.
Keddie, Nikki R. Women in the Middle East: Past and present. Princeton University Press, 2012.
Kuran, Timur. The long divergence: How Islamic law held back the Middle East. Princeton University Press, 2012.