In this episode, journalist Alexandra Sandels reflects on the experiences of four women and queer youths in the Arab region of taboos associated with sexuality and freedom. Their stories are among the 15 documented in the oral history collection ‘Taboos & Society’ produced by Sharq.Org.
Episode 2 Transcript
(duration: 8:50 mins)
Original script & narration in English by Alexandra Sandels
Soundbites (not transcribed) included in the original Arabic
// soundbite from interview with Nassira //
There are a lot of taboos in our community, they are mainly linked to religion, ancient beliefs and old tradition. And most of these taboos affect women, says Nassira, a women´s rights activist and teacher in her thirties living in northern Morocco. Many of the taboos Nassira singles out as most problematic are linked to the lack of individual freedoms and sexual and bodily rights of women in her home country: in Morocco there is a ban on abortion, consensual sex outside of marriage is also forbidden, myths concerning virginity are rife and then there is also the issue of single mothers and their children who lack legal rights, says Nassira.
// soundbite from interview with Nassira //
Morocco imposes a strict ban on abortion and those who conduct it or facilitate it can face years in prison. Recently, however, the north African kingdom has seen outrage and growing calls to reform women´s reproductive rights following a highly publicised case involving a 14-year old girl who died during an unsafe abortion procedure in a Moroccan village.
// soundbite from interview with Nassira //
Since abortions are banned in Morocco, the girl had to have a so-called “secret abortion” Nassira explains. But the person who conducted the abortion did not undertake proper hygenic measures which resulted in the death of the young girl, named Meriem in local media. She died simply because abortion is illegal here and people are sent to prison for it, Nassira continues.
// soundbite from interview with Nassira //
Also in Lebanon, often seen as the most liberal country in the Middle East, abortion remains illegal. As for maternity leave, women are only granted a maximum of 10 weeks under Lebanese law. For Samira, a Beirut-based civil society worker and feminist activist, the abortion ban is aside from being a violation of bodily rights also an example of how a social taboo targeting women has been translated into a law that actively prevents women from working and hence advancing economically in Lebanon. In general, these taboos and restrictions we see in society are targeting women, they are not often affecting men, Samira continues.
// soundbite from interview with Amira //
When it comes to sexual and bodily rights in Lebanon, Samira also brings up the issue of women´s health care and the challenges of finding medical professionals one can trust as an LGBT- woman. Samira recalls once going to a male gynaecologist in Beirut who spoke with such ignorance and prejudice about her sexual orientation that she just got up and left the clinic. “I looked at him and was shocked in way. I didn´t continue the check-up I was there for, Samira says.
// soundbite from interview with Samira //
Through friends and word of mouth, Samira was able to find a new and more professional doctor. But she remained vigilant for some time after the incident when visiting clinics. “When I went for checkups or for consultations, I felt that people were judging me just by one question, Samira says.”
// soundbite from interview with Samira //
Challenging stereotypes and taboos as a male can be painful and difficult. Ali, a researcher and feminist activist who identifies as “gender fluid” says he had a long struggle with his own gender identity in his home country Lebanon. “I felt different and I express my gender differently…. this was not welcomed by the community around me, I had to fight a lot, what they would say, their words I would hear.. just to be able to be myself says Ali”.
// soundbite from interview with Ali //
Ali took up the fight though and began talking to his family and those around him about topics such as gender diversity and feminism that he would research. That in turn inspired him to organise discussion sessions on gender and sexual diversity. “I feel that I was able to make an impact by raising awareness on these issues,” says Ali.
// soundbite from interview with Ali //
Looking ahead, Ali sees gender disparities as a large cause of problems and instability. Also, the issue of toxic masculinity is a big problem and harm men themselves, says Ali. “These toxic or patriarchal masculinities don´t actually leave space for more privileges because the same people granted these privileges are oppressed by them. Toxic masculinity has a mental impact on men who might develop violent behaviour,” Ali continues.
// soundbite from interview with Ali //
Back to Nassira, the women´s rights activist in Morocco. As an outspoken person promoting the rights of women and girls, she has faced many struggles as she puts it. Though much work is left, Nassira remains optimistic about the future in her home country. “More laws on increased freedoms, rights and gender equality are being drafted, no one should be stripped of their right to choose whether for religious or social reasons. We are hopeful about the future and we will continue our activism as women,” says Nassira.
// soundbite from interview with Nassira //
