Hey Fatimah!

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts here. I completely agree with you. I have also, as you can see from the piece, experienced so much conflict with this matter…to be honest, it’s taken me years to formulate my stance on it.

It’s indeed a very complex issue for us as feminists with Arab/Muslim backgrounds because, on one hand, we want women to choose and be free. On the other hand, we look at certain (particularly religious) practices and worry if accepting them is the right way forward.

Yes, I’m sure your international experience and background have had an influence on your views, as they have for me too. I think it’s really helped me see different sides of such matters and try to form a better understanding of why certain practices exist.

Thank you again for reading and commenting so thoughtfully! I’m glad this piece resonated with you! ❤