The EIESL Project

Whether the themes of the readings have been ‘othering’, oppression or feminism, the picture of a woman with a burka has been used in nearly every class to discuss these issues. Having lived in Afghanistan during my childhood years, it has been really interesting to hear the class’ opinions regarding this piece of garment. Before coming to Canada and before having any exposure to Western cultures, I wasn’t aware that the burka was seen as a major symbol of oppression on Muslim women. It should be noted that before the Taliban made it mandatory to wear burkas, some women CHOSE to wear it (see picture). To say whether these women are being oppressed by their husbands or that they have been brainwashed is inaccurate. However, today, more and more women do not want to wear burkas because this piece of garment has become a symbol for the mistreatment of women by the Taliban. The new generation of women are more open-minded and yearn for freedom from the chains of the burka. They have access to the internet and western influences are present all around Afghanistan. Girls wear jeans and T-shirts, listen to western music, and most go to school. The only difference is that they are hidden under the burka when outside, inside their homes, they are just as free as us. Although the women are ready for change, they can only be free hidden from view.
In Afghanistan, equality to a woman means being able to vote and participate as candidates in elections; something women in Western countries take for granted. In her essay titled “Feminism Without Borders: Under Western Eyes,” Mohanty argues that Western feminists should be more aware of non-western women’s views because feminism is often defined differently by these two groups. In Western cultures, equal pay in the workplace might be considered as a feminist movement success. However, is this also true in non-western cultures? Feminist views can vary from person to person and region to region.