Today, the same wrong outlook exists in the west. Of course, a number of women may become outstanding, honorable and modest personalities in western systems. But the general outlook towards women, which has become firmly established in western culture, is an objectifying and insulting outlook.
Respecting women means giving them the opportunity to develop, at different levels, those capabilities and those outstanding and great talents which Allah the Exalted has bestowed on all individuals - including women and the talents which are particular to them. Respecting women means allowing them to develop these talents inside the family, in society and in international arenas and for the sake of knowledge, understanding, research, education and construction. I see that, by Allah's favor and grace, this is showing itself in our society in a perfect way. Well, this is related to the basis of the work that the women of our country have thankfully carried out. The fact that they are present in all scholarly areas is very valuable. They have an active and praiseworthy presence, particularly in Quranic groups and in Quranic activities. This is very valuable.
Leader's Speech in Meeting with Woman Researchers of the Holy Quran, Oct 20, 2009
A businesslike, profit-based and economic view has influenced the western outlook on the issue of women. This can clearly be seen in the history of the industrial revolution. In Europe, women did not have the right to own something. Women's property belonged to men and their husbands. They did not have the right to possess something in their name. And when democracy was promoted in the west, women did not have suffrage.
In such a world, investors suddenly thought of the issue of the industrial revolution, factories and the efficient presence of women in factories with low costs. Then, they granted women suffrage so that they could draw them to factories and give them lower wages. Naturally, the entrance of women to the arena of employment had its own requirements and results which have continued until today. Therefore, besides the fact that the western outlook towards women is a non-divine and materialistic outlook, the policies which have brought about the current conditions in the western world - particularly in Europe - have been accompanied by a businesslike, profit-based and economic outlook.
Leader's Speech in Meeting with Outstanding Women, Apr 19, 2014
