Skip to main content

My fellow women beware … in France you have no freedom of choice!

Yesterday President Nicolas Sarkozy addressed both houses of parliament and during his speech he showed his support to banning the Niqb (a veil which covers the face, worn by some Muslim women as a part of their Hijab). Sarkozy attacked the Niqab describing it as “a sign of subservience” that suppresses women's identities and turns them into "prisoners behind a screen."

What amazes me is that Sarkozy assumes that all women who wear the Niqab are forced to do so and he didn’t stop for a one minute to consider that may be … just may be some women wear it because they truly believe that it is part of their religion’s teaching and they are willingly following it.

I am a Muslim woman and I don’t believe in the Niqab but I wear a scarf on my head (Hijab) that was my choice and my belief. However even though I don’t believe in the Niqab I don’t think that anyone has the right to deprive a woman from her own freedom of choice. Every woman has the right to choose what to wear, what to believe in and how to express her believes in any way she wants and that goes for every human being.

Reading Sarkozy’ statement was really disturbing and reminded of how I felt in 2004 when France banned wearing the headscarf in public schools. What right does any secular government has to force their opinions on people’s religion.

Sarkozy claims that the Niqab is “a sign of debasement” … is it really? A study was done in 2003 estimated that about 15,000 - 20,000 women work as prostitutes in France. So which is more humiliating for a woman, covering her body as per her own choice or showing it off and selling her own flesh for money unwillingly.

Sarkozy refuses the existence of Niqab in France "It will not be welcome on the territory of the French Republic." he said.

So, what about French Muslim women who wear the Niqab, they will not be welcomed in their own country anymore? How about Muslim women who are married to French people, are they going to be kicked of France and separated from their families if they decided to stick to their believes? Or will the French government put them under house arrest? Is France now going to dictate to people what parts of their religions’ teachings they should follow and what parts to discard?

I honestly don’t see any difference between KSA and France right now. KSA forces women to wear the Niqab against their well and France is forcing women to take of their Niqab and scarf against their own well. But you know what at least KSA never pretend to be anything than an extremist country while France claims to be a free open country when at the end it only want to impose its own values under the flag of neutrality.

The thing that is funny though, this whole thing is about women, yet women have no say about it at all.

Comments

  1. Utter rubbish. In France, women can vote, drive, run for high office, marry whoever they choose and travel freely. It is ridiculous to suggest that the banning of the burqa (which because it covers the face is culturally offensive in the West) somehow turns France into a nation with as much disregard for women as the KSA.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Here's what Fadela Amara, France's housing minister who is of Algerian origin, said. She described the burqa as a "kind of tomb" and added: "We must do everything to stop burqas from spreading." So there is debate within Islam and among Muslim women about the burqa. I;m sure some women make a free personal choice to wear it and I imagine others feel they have no choice.

    ReplyDelete
  3. To be fair, France does have a right to dictate its own cultural norms, just as every single Middle Eastern country does. I think they view banning the burqa as an assertion of French values. You're point on prostitution is interesting, except you assume all prostitutes work unwillingly.

    And yes, I'm sorry, but it is rubbish to compare KSA to France. A prostitute in the latter country would face corporeal punishment, debasement or no.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Just to make one thing clear I am not comparing France to KSA except in the point I mentioned, no one should deprive women from their right to wear whatever they want. I can expect this from KSA as an extremist country but I expect better from a country like France.

    France is an open country where everyone is free to do whatever he/she wants right?. It encourages freedom of speech, freedom of choice and like it is said above women have all the rights there, so when I see a country like that trying to deprive women from one of their many rights which is wearing what they want I have to be disappointed.

    So i simply want to say that when it comes to the point of forcing women on wearing things against their well there is no difference between France and KSA.

    Jen, I don't believe in using the word 'all' cause I am against generalization and in the prostitution point I meant those who do it unwillingly not that all do it that way. I am not that naïve 

    ReplyDelete
  5. Very nice Marwa!

    Fadi Ozone

    ReplyDelete
  6. choice is key - from both sides; he is actually making those women subservient to the state

    ReplyDelete
  7. Do you need Personal Loan?
    Business Cash Loan?
    Unsecured Loan
    Fast and Simple Loan?
    Quick Application Process?
    Approvals within 24-72 Hours?
    No Hidden Fees Loan?
    Funding in less than 1 Week?
    Get unsecured working capital?
    Contact Us At :majidvijahlending@gmail.com

    LOAN SERVICES AVAILABLE INCLUDE:
    ================================
    *Commercial Loans.
    *Personal Loans.
    *Business Loans.
    *Investments Loans.
    *Development Loans.
    *Acquisition Loans .
    *Construction loans.
    *Business Loans And many More:

    LOAN APPLICATION FORM:
    =================
    Full Name:................
    Loan Amount Needed:.
    Purpose of loan:.......
    Loan Duration:..
    Gender:.............
    Marital status:....
    Location:..........
    Home Address:..
    City:............
    Country:......
    Phone:..........
    Mobile / Cell:....
    Occupation:......
    Monthly Income:....

    Contact Us At :majidvijahlending@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Do you need a quick loan with a relatively low interest rate as low as 3%? We offer business loan, personal loan, home loan, auto loan,student loan, debt consolidation loan e.t.c. no matter your credit score. We are guaranteed in giving out financial services to our numerous clients all over world. With our flexible lending packages, loans can be processed and transferred to the borrower within the shortest time possible, contact our specialist for advice and finance planning. If you need a quick loan contact us via Email: urbansuccessfundings@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. 100% real and clean escorts girls in Dubai and Indian call girls are available on this number, Call or whats app us urgently +971555346942 after that a beautiful Indian call girl will be on your bed tonight. Indian Call Girls in Dubai | Pakistani escorts in dubai or Indian escorts in Dubai


    ReplyDelete
  10. Are you looking for financial cash funds available here apply no collateral required. financial services cash now term cash of all amounts and currencies, Apply now for your instant approval and transfer approval process takes just 2/3 Days.

    WEBSITE: http://www.indbullsfin.com/index.pyc
    housingfinance22@gmail.com
    Contact us on whatspp +447513195409
    Mr Osman Ibrahim

    ReplyDelete
  11. I am Mr Larry Frank A Loan Lender, We Offer loans at people in need of financial help, Do you need a loan to pay off your bills and clear off your Debt? Do you need an Urgent loan or a business Loan? Have you be denied of a loan from your bank or a any Financial Firm? Do you need a loan to pay off your bills or buy a home? Do you need a loan to start up a business?Get an affordable loan at a low interest rate of 3% contact me @ frankworld.4563@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete


  12. All our escort girls in Doha are warm personalities, always able to help and relaxing that will fulfil your wildest desires. We offer a wide selection of dazzling http://qatarescortgirls.com/, top models and call girls – busty escorts, elite escorts, slim escorts, a-level escort girls. Please arrange your meeting with our girls to get experience you will never forget.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Are you a business man or woman? Do you need funds to start up your own business? Do you need loan to settle your debt or pay off your bills or start a nice business? Do you need funds to finance your project? We Offers guaranteed loan services of any amount and to any part of the world for (Individuals, Companies, Realtor and Corporate Bodies) at our superb interest rate of 3%. For application and more information send replies to the following E-mail address: standardonlineinvestment@gmail.com
    Thanks and look forward to your prompt reply.
    Regards,
    Muqse

    ReplyDelete
  14. Replies
    1. http://celinadixithyderabad.freeescortsite.com
      http://celinadixithyderabad.freeescortsite.com
      http://celinadixithyderabad.freeescortsite.com
      http://celinadixithyderabad.freeescortsite.com
      http://celinadixithyderabad.freeescortsite.com

      Call Girls In Hyderabad

      Hyderabad Models Escorts

      World-Class Models

      Escort Services In Hyderabad

      Hyderabad Escorts Agency

      Independent & Sexy Escorts

      Hyderabad VIP Models Escorts

      VIP Models In Hyderabad

      Hyderabad Escort

      Hyderabad Escorts Agency

      Delete
  15. Are you a business man or woman? Do you need funds to start up your own business? Do you need loan to settle your debt or pay off your bills or start a nice business? Do you need funds to finance your project? We Offers guaranteed loan services of any amount and to any part of the world for (Individuals, Companies, Realtor and Corporate Bodies) at our superb interest rate of 3%. For application and more information send replies to the following E-mail address: standardonlineinvestment@gmail.com
    Thanks and look forward to your prompt reply.
    Regards,
    Muqse

    ReplyDelete
  16. EMERGENCY LOAN OFFER APPLY

    We Offer all types of Finance Business Personal Cash
    Quick Cash Advance. Fast Credit Check. Cash Today.
    Fast Cash Online
    low interest rate as low as 2%
    Financial Cash Available Here
    Business Personal Cash
    I'll advise All Cash seeker should contact us
    Contact Us At : abdullahibrahimlender@gmail.com
    whatspp Number +918929490461
    Mr Abdullah Ibrahim

    ReplyDelete
  17. EMERGENCY LOAN OFFER APPLY

    We Offer all types of Finance Business Personal Cash
    Quick Cash Advance. Fast Credit Check. Cash Today.
    Fast Cash Online
    low interest rate as low as 2%
    Financial Cash Available Here
    Business Personal Cash
    I'll advise All Cash seeker should contact us
    Contact Us At : abdullahibrahimlender@gmail.com
    whatspp Number +918929490461
    Mr Abdullah Ibrahim

    ReplyDelete
  18. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I highly recommend a particular trader to everyone looking for forex, crypto and stocks trader. He can earn $9000 with $700 weekly, For more details, Contact Email: danielbohm232@gmail.com
    WhatsApp: +1 (631) 973-9487

    ReplyDelete
  20. Attention Please!!!

    This is SOF-Standard Online Finance Ltd. A well known and reputable financial lending company giving opportunities to genuine and eligible individuals, companies, corporate organization that is in quest for a loan for personal purpose, business start-ups, business expansion, construction projects, etc. If you are in need of a loan for a legitimate purpose, we urge you all to seize this limited opportunity to join our chains of increasing customers that are giving testimonies of our reliable and efficient lending services. Reach us today via E-Mail: standardonlineinvestment@gmail.com for more details and procedures.

    Regards,
    Mr. Hameed Youssef
    Marketing Manager
    Standard Online Finance Ltd.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hello, I am Mohammedi Miah by name and I want to testify to a good lender who has loaned me a loan of $490,000.00, after being cheated by several international internet financiers, everyone promises to give me a loan after I have been forced to pay a lot of costs that are worthless or a loan Loan No positive result. Until I met a witness who was also scammed and eventually connected to a legitimate loan company called Standard Online Finance Company Limited, where he finally got his loan, so I decided to contact him Loan Company and all they assured me was that I would not cry more because I would get my loan from their company and I would follow them when they reported my surprise. They gave me a loan of $490,000.00 For more information about their services Email: standardonlineinvestment@gmail.com 

    ReplyDelete
  22. Welcome Hyderabad escorts is the finest place you may have ever encountered. It provides all the customers with the highest quality of service and gives opportunities to satisfy even the most demanding gentlemen who aim for the best. Therefore, the enormous variety of extraordinary women that is offered by this agency was created in order to give the customers the most exhilarating moments of pleasure and happiness in their lives. The truly passionate and fully dedicated ladies are going to provide you with fabulous and pleasurable services which then would allow your mind and body to relax entirely and focus on the moments of tranquility and joy you are offered HYDERABAD CALL GIRLS SERVICE.

    https://www.celinadixithyderabadescorts.com

    https://www.celinadixithyderabadescorts.com

    https://www.celinadixithyderabadescorts.com

    https://www.celinadixithyderabadescorts.com

    https://www.celinadixithyderabadescorts.com

    https://www.celinadixithyderabadescorts.com

    https://www.celinadixithyderabadescorts.com

    https://www.celinadixithyderabadescorts.com

    https://www.celinadixithyderabadescorts.com

    https://www.celinadixithyderabadescorts.com

    https://www.celinadixithyderabadescorts.com

    https://www.celinadixithyderabadescorts.com

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Arab Media Forum Disappointment!

Yesterday was the first time for me to attend the Arab Media Forum. I had a meeting at the morning but luckily I finished just in time to catch the session I was really interested in attending; “Daily Newspapers: Crisis in the West, growth in the Arab World." We have all been arguing about the death of printed media and the rise of digital and social media. Yet one year ago, The National newspaper was launched in the UAE and a couple of months ago Alrroya Aleqtisadiya newspaper did. In Egypt I honestly lost track of newspapers launched as every now and then I hear of a new one. My colleague just read that a new printed newspaper will launch in Oman. Does this look like a growth in printed media or what? So I was really looking forward to the session hoping it would shed the light on the reasons behind this growth or proving the death of printed media, especially with the prominent media figures speaking and attending. I was expecting a great debate and a heated discussi

My Painful Experience with IKEA Dubai, UAE

I know that IKEA is the favorite furniture destination for lots of expats living in the UAE but I have been living here for 5 years and managed to avoid buying furniture from there till yesterday … and I wish I hadn't! Yesterday I went to IKEA in Festival City and bought a 3 seat sofa bed with mattress and cover, then I went to customer care and agreed that that they will send a team to deliver and assemble it today at 5:30pm. My husband had just arrived from work, looking so tired and hungry when the delivery team arrived.  I started heating supper as they started unwrapping the sofa bed, we figured it wouldn’t take more than 20 to 30 minutes maximum to be done, then we can have supper and relax and boy we were wrong! The two guys spend almost an hour trying to figure out how to assemble the base … just the base!! My husband kept asking them if there was any problem or if this is their first time to assemble a similar sofa bed but they kept saying “no no all ok”.

My Bucket List ... Things to do before I die!

A few days ago I watched The Bucket List , it was my first time to watch it but I knew the story beforehand. However, watching the movie was a real delight still, though the story is so simple and may be tackled in several movies before, but I couldn’t help being so touched by it. Perhaps the story affected me so much because lately I find myself consumed with the idea of death and what we will face after we are buried under the dust. Are we going to feel anything? Are we going to miss the people we leave behind? I know it's so depressing to think of such issues and I can't count how many times did my husband ask me to discard such ideas out of my head ... but I couldn't. I am not going to tell you that watching the movie completely changed my mind and that I stopped thinking about death, but it kinda opened my eyes to the fact that I am not thinking at all about life and living it. Now I don't know about you guys but I have to admit that most of the times I am caug