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Al-Ahram Weekly 27 Jan. - 2 Feb. 2000 Issue No. 466 
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Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Al-Ahram Weekly 27 Jan. - 2 Feb. 2000 Issue No. 466
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| Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Egypt Region International Economy Opinion Culture Features Profile Travel Living Sports People Time Out Chronicles Cartoons Letters Equality in freedom
By Madiha El-Safti *
The recent amendments to the Personal Status Law are not extremist enough to justify the controversy that has surrounded them. They are just a statement of basic human rights granted to Egyptian women that were totally disregarded in earlier times. The idea that women need a patron is the reason for which they have been denied such rights. The issue, however, should be approached with the idea that women are equal human beings with equal rights, without trespassing on religious beliefs. The opposing point of view, which considers that women might abuse these rights, is not a good reason for withholding them.
That the draft law should be opposed so vehemently is quite surprising, especially when we consider that it does not violate the shari'a. In fact, it places more of an emphasis on respect for women in Islam. The opposition, however, can be understood in the light of a trend that has been sweeping our society and demands a more reactionary approach to all aspects of cultural life, especially those related to women.
The right to Khul' is simply a statement of a major Islamic creed in the sense that no marriage can go on without the consent of both parties. One other right that has been a topic of controversy is a woman's right to travel without her husband's permission. Women have gained the right to education, employment and political participation, in addition to occupying high positions in the government; denying them the freedom to travel is a major violation of this status.
*This week's Soapbox speaker is professor of sociology at the American University in Cairo.
