From the beginning, women have been viewed as extensions of men. The biblical story of Eve being formed from Adam’s rib has perpetuated the notion that women are inherently a part of men and not their equals. How can someone who was literally made from a small part of a man be considered equal to the entirety of a man? This concept, deeply rooted in popular religious beliefs, suggests that men and women are fundamentally unequal.
When society upholds such views, how can we ever achieve true equality between the genders? Women face numerous challenges: they endure monthly cycles that can make them feel weak and vulnerable, while men, driven by testosterone, often exhibit aggressive instincts and have a natural capacity for building muscle. History, society, biology, and ideology all seem to be aligned against women.
Given these disparities, how should a woman prosper, succeed, and conquer a world seemingly designed to work against her? This question challenges us to re-evaluate our beliefs and structures, advocating for a society where women can truly thrive and achieve their full potential despite these longstanding biases.
The Quran states in verse 04:24, “Also (forbidden are) women already married, except those (captives and slaves) whom your right hands possess.” This verse implies that men can take captive women as sex slaves, even if they are married. Some may argue that Islam only permits consensual sex with slaves, but it’s hard to imagine why an enemy’s mother, sister, wife, or daughter would willingly sleep with their captor without coercion. The ongoing atrocities in Afghanistan, Iran, Israel, and other conflict zones highlight the brutal reality of countless women and children being subjected to rape and abuse, often justified by religious interpretations. It is appalling that men who consider themselves holy can use religion as a free pass to commit such heinous acts. In these war-terrorizing regions, women and children bear the brunt of violence and exploitation. The vulnerabilities of women and children are ruthlessly exploited, adding to the cycle of suffering and injustice. Women, who should be revered for their strength and resilience, are instead subjected to unspeakable horrors.
It’s also worth noting that the Quran, believed to be the word of Allah, was conveyed by a prophet who was illiterate and never saw Allah but only heard him. How can we be certain that it was truly Allah he heard and not some deceptive entity?
The Quran further undermines women’s status by stating that their testimony is worth half that of a man, suggesting they lack knowledge. This is similar to other religious texts, like the Bible, that demean women. The Quran even mandates that a rapist must marry his victim, implying that a man could claim a woman, along with her wealth and status, simply by violating her.
“Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard in the husband’s absence what Allah would have them guard. As to those women on whose part ye fear disloyalty and ill-conduct, admonish them (first), (Next), refuse to share their beds, (And last) beat them (lightly); but if they return to obedience, seek not against them Means (of annoyance): For Allah is Most High, great (above you all).” This passage suggests a disturbing view of women, condoning violence against them under certain circumstances.
Reading these texts fills me with anger, sadness, and pity. It is disheartening that anyone could portray women, who are the bedrock of society, the givers of life, and the nurturers of future generations, in such a demeaning light. Women offer everything to society — they are the creators, the caregivers, and the sustainers. We must condemn any text or ideology that seeks to diminish their worth and justify their subjugation.
Concluding such a complex and ongoing matter is challenging because the struggle for gender equality is unending. Historically, women faced significant challenges in the domestic sphere, and now these struggles extend into the corporate world. The nature of these struggles may change, but they persist like an unrelenting force. Who is to blame for this persistent inequality? Perhaps it’s society itself, which has been structured this way since the beginning of time.
From the Stone Age onward, societal roles made sense to some extent. Women, burdened with childbearing, lacked the physical strength required for hunting and other labor-intensive tasks. This created a clear division between the roles and capabilities of men and women. However, as we have evolved, so have our capabilities. Technological advancements and social progress have enabled women to perform roles once reserved for men. Yet, despite these advancements, outdated views and practices persist.
Why does this inequality continue? For so many years, men and women have had comparable capabilities, yet our views remain stubbornly unchanged. It is crucial to recognize and challenge any religious or societal norms that perpetuate the oppression of women. We must strive for a world where women are respected and valued for their immense contributions, and where their rights and dignity are upheld in all circumstances.
The ongoing struggle for gender equality demands our unwavering commitment to dismantling the norms and practices that have long oppressed women. By challenging these outdated views, we can work toward a future where every woman is empowered, respected, and valued for her contributions to society.
It’s no longer men vs. women or religion vs. humanity, but instead prejudice vs. society.
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