Acting on Behalf of Nomadic, Tribal and Indigenous Peoples
Women's Revolution
The western media is correctly heralding the women of Iran for their bravery and strength during this turbulent political time, claiming that they are at the forefront of the political activism scene and leading the revolutionary demand for honest and fair elections. I of course agree, and am impressed with their ability to unite under a cause that impacts the entire nation, as well as of their courageous vocalization. I think all too often the West is shocked by the inner strength found in Middle Eastern and South East Asian women. We stereotype and assume, clinging to pictures of burqas and child brides to make ourselves feel superior in our smooth working democracy. But we forget that, across the world, women face the same challenges no matter what community they are in. Women had to fight in a similar manner for their rights in the U.S. as well.
The differing end results are truly dependent on the resources at hand. The spirit of women is not broken by clothing and societal roles, but can be stunted by lack of resources. These brave Iranian women are educated in their rights and the way the political system should run, and have enough conviction to stand up for what they see to be the truth. This spirit may be seen by some as unexpected, but I argue that this is exactly what should be assumed from a country that educates its women and has past experience with strong female activism (1979 Revolution, for example).
But this post is not only about Iranian women, and definently not a discourse on the recent political events. They merely allow me to set up a post about the inner strength and spirit women naturally have. This spirit can be fostered in other countries where westerners currently see only oppression and victims. Following my conversations with Balochi women in Pakistan, I do not see oppression and victims. I see hope, ability and an ongoing struggle from women as they seek the resources to progress and empower themselves. Woman's groups and networks across the Balochistan region are doing just this, and I believe that these are the stories the Western media should also be focusing on. The encouragement and support of the international community is necessary for the advancement of women in these dangerous and tumultuous times.
I want to congratulate the Iranian activists for fighting for what they believe in, and encourage the use of peaceful tactics in all your efforts. But I more so want to congratulate and assist the Baloch in Pakistan who are peacefully working for what they believe in, but who do not have the resources found in Iran nor the media attention and support. Your efforts are not going unnoticed, and with enough faith and persistence you too will achieve what you attempt. For this reason I believe it all the more necessary to engage in a dialogue between Balochi women and my organization, so that I can help build in you the capacity to act with the same conviction, restraint and fearlessness when the time is right. This is exactly the intention of CISD's Women and Girls Center for Empowerment. When this is built in Quetta, it will help to mobilize and empower Balochi women to live their lives as they most want to, giving them more ability to make or impact decesions both politically and personally. This Center is only intended to help as much or as little as the community wants, requiring conversations between you (the Baloch population) and me (the project manager) to help make the Center appropriate. Please join in with your thoughts, and in the future we can have women at the forefront of all political, professional and personal revolutions.
The differing end results are truly dependent on the resources at hand. The spirit of women is not broken by clothing and societal roles, but can be stunted by lack of resources. These brave Iranian women are educated in their rights and the way the political system should run, and have enough conviction to stand up for what they see to be the truth. This spirit may be seen by some as unexpected, but I argue that this is exactly what should be assumed from a country that educates its women and has past experience with strong female activism (1979 Revolution, for example).
But this post is not only about Iranian women, and definently not a discourse on the recent political events. They merely allow me to set up a post about the inner strength and spirit women naturally have. This spirit can be fostered in other countries where westerners currently see only oppression and victims. Following my conversations with Balochi women in Pakistan, I do not see oppression and victims. I see hope, ability and an ongoing struggle from women as they seek the resources to progress and empower themselves. Woman's groups and networks across the Balochistan region are doing just this, and I believe that these are the stories the Western media should also be focusing on. The encouragement and support of the international community is necessary for the advancement of women in these dangerous and tumultuous times.
I want to congratulate the Iranian activists for fighting for what they believe in, and encourage the use of peaceful tactics in all your efforts. But I more so want to congratulate and assist the Baloch in Pakistan who are peacefully working for what they believe in, but who do not have the resources found in Iran nor the media attention and support. Your efforts are not going unnoticed, and with enough faith and persistence you too will achieve what you attempt. For this reason I believe it all the more necessary to engage in a dialogue between Balochi women and my organization, so that I can help build in you the capacity to act with the same conviction, restraint and fearlessness when the time is right. This is exactly the intention of CISD's Women and Girls Center for Empowerment. When this is built in Quetta, it will help to mobilize and empower Balochi women to live their lives as they most want to, giving them more ability to make or impact decesions both politically and personally. This Center is only intended to help as much or as little as the community wants, requiring conversations between you (the Baloch population) and me (the project manager) to help make the Center appropriate. Please join in with your thoughts, and in the future we can have women at the forefront of all political, professional and personal revolutions.
Comment
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Comment by Qayyum Baloch on October 8, 2009 at 6:19am -
Dear Hanne! You have done a great jobe in order to support to the Baloch Women to make them empower in puropse of to play an active role for their progress by themselvess. Of course the Baloch women have all the natural abilites and energy for making a bright and peaceful future... I think this the time to make a healthy environment to bring the Baloch womens' unnoticed power on the surface for palying their historical role, in the society as a whole. Baloch Society has the Captivating space for the role playing of the women as in leading position... And further want to mention that Baloch women in Iran(w.Balochistan) do not have any visible role at all level of the society... the so called Spiritual Régime of Mullahs, has power over the Baloch Nation particullarly women, by all means like Socio-economic, and culturally they have had been Concealed... and their basic rights are being Exploited.... Oops! International Community, kept silent and remained bliend from all these Cruelties which consign by Iranins against Baloch Minority... Now at the time International Community has to raise its voice in the favour of Baloch Nation... Its time to secure the Baloch Culture and
Language from both dominancy of Iran and Pakistan.
Regards.
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