The inherent nature of the man and the woman in the family environment is a one that creates a relationship between the man and the woman: a relation of love and affection. If this relation changes, if the man takes himself as the owner at home, if he sees the woman as an employee or wants to exploit her, this is an act of oppression. Unfortunately, many men commit this act of oppression. Outside family environment, the same applies. If the woman does not have a safe and secure environment to study, work, earn money, and rest, she is oppressed. The law and the Islamic society should confront anyone who manifests this oppressive behavior.
If a woman is not allowed to access proper education, science and knowledge, she is oppressed. If she is overwhelmed with work and different tasks, to the point that she cannot attend to her ethics, her religion, her wisdom, she is oppressed. If the woman is not allowed to use her property independently and with her own willpower, she is oppressed. If at the time of marriage, a husband is imposed on the woman—that is, she plays no role in choosing her husband and her desires and wants are not considered—she is oppressed. If the woman cannot take emotional advantage of her children, either when she lives with her husband, or when she is divorced, she is oppressed. If a woman has some talents, for example in science, invention, in politics, or social activities, she is not allowed to develop her talents, she is oppressed.
October 22, 1997
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