Reflection 5-Hayley

I just read an article titled "Malala Yousafzai: Pakistan girl 'strong'" and I was very moved. Although this is a story of violence by radical Islamists, this article also reveals that there are people who are seeking change. Malala Yousafzai is a 14 year old girl who was shot by the Taliban and is currently recovering in a UK hospital. She has been an advocate for women's education since she was 11, and I find her enthusiasm welcoming. I believe that we have been focusing a lot on radical terrorists, but we have not spent a lot of time focusing on civilians.  I would like to see more stories of brave civilians who are working to increase equality in their country. Although she was severely injured in the attack, she is expected to recover. Perhaps other girls will see this story and become inspired to advocate in their own areas.

After researching women's rights in Bahrain, I see that many Islamic countries do not offer the same rights to women that we do. While I respect the notion that different countries have different cultures, there are some things that I believe all women have the right to. The right to an education is one of the most important rights one could have. Education opens doors to new opportunities, and when one half of the population does not have an equal right to education, that limits the growth of a nation, and of the world. Although each state should have the right to choose how this education is given, it is necessary to foster a positive change throughout the world. Another issue that I feel is important is the right to feel respected by one's nation. Although this may be an interesting concept for one, I believe it is related to this argument. Many Bahraini laws do not treat a women as equal in the eyes of the law. The law is one place that should not discriminate based on sex. A law should be enacted in Bahrain that ensures women have access to the same liberties given to men. I do respect the religious beliefs of any nation, but equal respect is something that I believe everyone should consider.


Site:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-19960207