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It has been suggested that cultural and religious ideologues have no place in modern women’s rights crusade, but the fact remains that the suppression of women in some cultures and religions, which has existed for centuries, won’t go away by the stroke of a pen or even the barrel of a gun. The effort to foster the liberation of women from harmful cultural and religious practices is well recognised, even by some of the oppressors. And one of the ways to pursue this cause is by enlightenment and education, by sensitisation and ongoing dialogue through diplomatic engagement. Diplomacy between countries that share similar cultural and religious backgrounds could help international overtures, but firstly, there needs to be an admission that these women are deprived of rights extended to men with merciless ferocity which is far-fetched. The issue of women’s subjugation will continue to challenge the international democratic and human rights community, especially when dealing with societies so entrenched in certain fundamentalist ideologies that victory is remote. Deprivation of rights and liberties to anyone is harmful, and to women particularly, prevents them from achieving their greatest human potentials. One may be tempted to suggest that liberal democracy could pave the way for institutions that could challenge the status quo, but the fact remains that attempts by the west to spread democracy to the Middle East, for instance, have not been successful. At times, it is not really the idea of democracy that repels people; rather it is the way the west has presented their type of western democracy to traditional Islamic societies without considering their cultural sensibilities. Female genital mutilation has been banned in most African countries and in some parts of Asia, but who monitors compliance in rural, regional and remote areas where these young girls and women are essentially subjected to this cruel and inhumane punishment called female genital mutilation? What happens beyond the doors of parliaments where this nefarious and barbaric act is legislated against? However, we cannot relent, and for the sake of humanity, we have to continue to engage these perpetrators in a sensible but realistic dialogue about the faith and future of women who have been subjugated for centuries in the name of religion and culture. By the way, women’s rights are still human rights!
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Writer Profile
Pedus
I was born in Nigeria and was educated in Nigeria, USA and Australia. I am the founder and president of Christina-Mae Recruitment Consortium Australia and the author of the book "When Things Go Wrong: Concepts of Change". I am also the co-founder of Child Aid Survival and Development International (CASDI). As a freelance journalist, I have contributed to a number of professional journals and newspapers, as well as worked in a number of e-journalism projects. I have traveled extensively and currently call Australia and the USA home with extensive involvement in African Human Rights issues.
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