Lubna Hussein's Case Highlights the Continued Loss of Women's Rights in Sudan
/We have an important article about Lubna and the women in Sudan written by Ahmed Elzobier for the Sudan Tribune: Turning the clock back in Sudan.
As more Muslim women insist that a modern-day review of the Qur’an be conducted, the rest of us learn historical information used to support the flogging of women: In the Islamic world, God apparently instructed men in the Qur’an, (An-Nisa – verse 34), how to treat their wives, especially those who dared to disobey them – they should be admonished, beaten and sent to a separate bed. To this day some men take that instruction literally.
Market at the bus station of Souk al Arabi in Khartoum. via Flickr’s Swiatoslaw WojtkowiakThis entire article is a “must read”, in understanding the dynamics of Lubna’s case. It offers a historical review of the evolution of women’s rights in Sudan, up until the time “sharia” law was introduced in September 1983.
Indeed, the women’s rights movement was strong — perhaps legendary — in the Middle East and the rest of the world. The 1969 military government of Ja’afar Nimeiri agreed to put into practice the demands for equal pay and eight weeks’ maternity leave, as well as pensions.
Women’s lives changed under current Sundanese president Omar Hassan al-Bashir, who made a speech in January 1990, about “the ideal Sudanese woman”. This ideal Sudanese woman “takes care of herself, her children, her home, her reputation and her husband”.
It’s my understanding that the Sudanese press is not “free”. Within that context, this Sudan Tribune article is bold, courageous and highly informative in creating context around Lubna’s case.
On a personal note, it’s critical that the global press continue to monitor the facts of Lubna’s situation. Indeed, I am reading “Lubna for president” comments online. The stakes are much higher right now that Lubna Hussein’s focus is overturning The Public Order Act.
As I wrote yesterday on a Guardian post by Khalid al-Mubarak Lubna Hussein’s trial had nothing to do with trousers, the authorities in Sudan are surprised and embarassed over the attention in this case. (Note, the author argues that women are ‘liberated’ in Sudan.)
Desert Rose by Flickr’s Vit HassanPeople everywhere must keep up the pressure by printing the facts of the LOSS of women’s rights in Sudan. One of the strongest movements for women’s rights has been under assault for decades now.
Without looking back at why we failed to support Sudanese women before now, the age of the Internet gives us the opportunity to formally watch and respond to Lubna’s case and that of other women in Sudan, including Amal Habbani, the woman charged for writing a piece supporting Lubna.
Ours is not as example of international political and international manipulation as Khalid al-Mubarak suggests. The people of Sudan must choose their own government leaders.
I liken my role as a mosquito. When Mr. al-Mubarak asserted yesterday that life is good for women in Sudan, I was there in London, via the Internet, documenting the 43,000 women who were flogged last year.
Apparently Khalid al-Mubarak has no problem with the flogging of women. For holding this set of values, he is a FOR SHAME person here at Anne of Carversville. Our first FOR SHAME: THE WHOLE WORLD IS WATCHING person is US Rep Joe Wilson Yells “You Lie!” to President Obama.
Personally, I think that women have been shamed enough around the world. Men must learn about “shaming”, too, and so I’m working on our FOR SHAME presentation at A of C.
-Girl from Barkal -III- via Flickr’s Vit HassanWe are all Lubna Hussein mosquitos, men and women who support her efforts to overturn Article 152 in Sudan. The greatest progress occurs in the advancements of imperfect civilizations when an individual man or woman stands up and says ‘enough’.
We will keep buzzing like little ‘furies’ taking our instructions from Lubna’s words and messages.
Our favorite “trouser girl” Lubna Hussein has requested the support of the international community in her case, and she has it, for as long as the women of Sudan require our efforts on their behalf. I — as one person of many — will see to it. Anne
More reading:
Women in Sudan Sudan Update
The skeletons in our cupboards, and the women’s quota system in Sudan Sudan Tribune
