"We have to respect ourselves, respect the rule of law. We must investigate these crimes and bring the criminals to court," she pointedly states, rejecting out of hand the proposal from PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas to designate all those killed in the clashes as "national martyrs," accroding to The Jerusalem Post in a profile of Palestinian legislature Khalida Jarrar.
She's talking here about the victims of the Fateh and Hamas clashes. I agree and said so on this blog. But it won't happen. The issue is already brushed under the Mecca agreement "pray and rule together" rug. More will be killed, but, hey, Abbas will issue them with "national martyrs" certificates to shut up their families. If the guy was killed by Fateh fire, Haniyeh will sign the certificate. If the unlucky fellow was killed by Hams fire, then Abbas can sign. If he's too busy, Dahlan can sign for him.
On another front, according to the article Khalida said that "She has achieved one small victory. Women are now able to keep their maiden names after marriage."
As far as I know that was an achievement for the Palestinian women's groups who got Arafat to agree to this well before the latest elections. But the problem remained with the Israelis. Those who tied to keep their maiden name found that while the Palestinians didn't mind, the Israelis did. The Israelis insited on the husband name on any formal identification, which ultimately they controlled (like the Israeli issued ID that West Bankers and Gazan have to indicate they are residents there). Theywant their computer date consistent for better monitoring. So even small achievements get erased by the occupier's law, which superseds all other laws.
It's a small example to show how the occupation is not in the business of women's rights. In fact, it impedes them on daily basis.
4 comments:
Palestinian women changed their last names upon marriage? My understanding is that this practice is fairly uncommon in most Arab countries, correct?
Yes, they change the name. Historically, there is a tradition of women keeping their maiden names upon marriage. Feminists try to draw on that tradition in making the case for it now. I don't have exact details about every Arab country. I know in Palestine and Jordan women do take up the husband name. Saadawi is causing much commotion because she's asking that children are given their mother's name along with their father's. That is more subversive of patriarchy than just keeping your father's name.
Historically speaking, it was fairly rare for women around the world to change their last names. It's not even a particularly European custom --- women in Spain and Iceland (and traditional Nordic custom in general) almost never change their last names. I think it's a fairly Anglo thing.
could very well be. Which also might explain it's spread to other parts of the wrold via the empire.
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