One of the many English words that have crept their way into Egyptian culture is the word "free". However, not in the meaning that the word usually implies, but a new meaning, in the minds of the Egyptian community: Liberal or Defiant of the local morals and beliefs (which I have been called many times because of what I have to say about my countries culture.)
A "free" woman can be described as follows: A woman who is not afraid to mingle with the opposite sex in and out of the work environment. Someone who does not turn red at the mention of a swearword in front of her. A woman that stays out the house alone or with friends past 7 o'clock.
These woman are considered, for the lack of a better word, infidels. Or just people who defy the norm. People who have been corrupted by western media.
However, their demand for equal rights within society does not pass this point. Hardly any women have the courage to defy their parents or question the reasons behind such beliefs, and many do not dare escape an arranged marriage.
As for marriage, it usually goes like this: A woman, "free" or not, is approached by a man frim within her college community or workplace, who then tries as hard as possible to win her over with romantic dinner behind her parents backs. Once the woman feels like her parents are beginning to notice, she asks her "boyfriend" to propose and ask for her hand in marriage. (That's usually within 3 months of their first meeting).
Another common method is for a man to see a woman he liked in the street or any other place, find out where she lives, and fo ask her father directly to marry the daughter. In most cases, the woman has a choice to marry or not to marry, yet it the more secluded societies of upper Egypt, it's not a possibility.
Hope this answered all your questions. :)
2 comments:
That's terrible.
One woman alone can't make a difference. It would be naive of anyone to assume that. It would have to be like all other great fights for individual rights were done in the past - through protest in large groups. I do not see any other way in which this could work.
No one seems to care, really. Maybe they're satisfied with the current situation, and I'm the one making a big deal out of nothing. What other explanation is there for the fact that none of them seem to actually want to change it. Maybe it's out of fear, i don't know. But a group effort is exactly what is needed in this case, I agree.
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