Proudly South African Woman

I was absolutely mortified by the news of the Boston bombing. Touch wood that nothing ever  like that happens in South Africa.  And it got me thinking....

I love South Africa. Irrespective of the 'bad things'. We are free to do whatever we want to. We are free to practice our religion, whatever that may be. I am a Muslim and we are are free to wear our scarfs or 'hijab' (Muslim attire) at work or at school. People are free to worship the devil if they wish!

The image of the 21st century woman is confident, prosperous, glowing with health and beauty. However, for many of the 3.3 billion female occupants of our planet, that is not the case.

For example in Saudi Arabia women, face discrimination in many aspects of their lives. Although they make up 70% of those enrolled in universities, for social reasons, women make up only 5% of the workforce in Saudi Arabia. They are encouraged and forced not to work!  In many parts of Saudi Arabia, it is believed that a woman's place is in the home caring for her husband and family.

Women in Saudi Arabia are terribly oppressed – they cannot vote, drive, or work in many places. They are abused and treated like dirt.

The dominant religion in Saudi is Islam. However, a very grim picture of Islam is painted as many women are oppressed and that is simply not allowed.

Islam says that:

Woman was made from the rib of a man,

She was not created from his head to top him,

Nor from his feet to be stepped upon,

She was made from his side to be close to him,

From beneath his arm to be protected by him, near his heart to be loved by him.

(Anonymous)

Islam says that everyone should be treated with respect! We should respect all religions'. We should live simply and live in harmony with each other irrespective of our religion or skin colour.

Saudi is not the only example where oppression is rife. It is prevalent in a lot of the developing countries.

I tried picturing myself in Saudi! I would not be able to be myself. I would not be able to have an opinion, have a job, drive or vote.  I would not be able to do what I enjoy: PR!

Think again before you say you hate South Africa. Sure, our country is not perfect but we are free.

xoxo