Women and Expression

Who can legitimately have a say on the topics of sex and sexuality? This is determined by one’s relationship to privilege. We know that whereas one voice may be heard, many are marginalized and never heard. Therefore, before we speak about sex and sexuality, I wish to consider those voices that are often not heard within such discussions. The challenge thus is to include these Other voices within this very important discussion

In Pakistan, “poor women’s higher unaccompanied mobility was associated with a loss of prestige and susceptibility to sexual violence. Among richer women, such movement did not constitute a legitimate target for male exploitation, nor did it lead to a loss of status on the part of their families” (Mumtaz and Salway). So we know that Pakistani women face issues of access and mobility within public space specially women belonging to the disadvantaged classes. Being seen or heard in public space can lead to violence for women who cross the threshold that delineates the home as the “private” sphere and the supposedly “safe” space for women. Public space is for men, and to cross that threshold is to break the rules that govern female bodies and for this, female bodies are punished

Rules that create the public/private dichotomy are certainly not specific to Pakistan. However, do the same socially-constructed rules about boundaries apply to cyberspace? It seems, women with better educations, better access to knowledge, and access to technology and the internet have a better chance of taking part in conversations on cyber-space. Therefore, in some ways, the same rules do apply.

Another barrier to speaking openly and honestly about sex and sexuality in the Pakistani context is religion or the degree of religiosity of your family. You cannot speak about sex and sexuality if you believe that doing so is a sin or can lead to sin. Such beliefs are fed to women at an early age in order to keep them from having agency over their own bodies. “Your body does not belong to you; it belongs to your father, brother, and husband.” Therefore, you need not think of your own needs, desires, health, or anything else that makes you a whole person. In fact, women are taught to deny themselves pleasures in order to achieve piety which we are told comes with rewards in the afterlife. However, there will not be 40 virgins waiting for you women next to streams flowing with milk and honey. The Muslim male subject is conceived of as a whole person, with an active sexuality and deserving of more sex and sexuality in the afterlife; the Muslim female subject is not.

The politics of self-expression is premised on a notion of a subject who is capable of being self-reflexive, inward-looking, self-contained (Majeed), and whole, who belongs to himself, and not to his mother, sister, or wife. Supposedly, the right to legitimately express opinions and ideas belongs to only those who have agency, who own themselves and therefore can look within themselves and speak from their whole selves.,Muslim women are taught that they do not have “right” to express themselves the same way as men. We are told that we must let our (mostly male) ‘guardians’ decide on our behalf. For those women who believe that their sense of piety and honour is in jeopardy if they speak out about sex and sexuality, these women will not, for example, be part of the discussions here.

I do not assume that women lack agency; I believe they do have the option to believe that a sense of piety and honour is not at stake if they make claims over their own bodies and choose to speak from their bodies. I believe that honour and piety should depend on the strength of your faith in humanity and social justice; and I believe that they themselves choose to stay silent in spaces where I believe their opinions are much needed and their insights much valued. Is it not said, “Speak up or be spoken for”? At the same time, I also know that patriarchy has made it so that speaking up comes with a price, one which many women are unwilling to pay; so they do not speak up in fear of punishment or loss of social capital.

The point is, when “we” as Pakistani Muslim women come to the table to speak about issues of sex an sexuality, “we” are not on an equal playing field; therefore, some voices have more weight than others, and still others are silent altogether. We also have different and at times conflicting concerns. Once we recognize these differences between women, only then can we start to think of ways to alleviate the inequalities, if we believe that we all have the right to express and be heard.

Works Cited

Mumtaz, Z. and S. Salway. ” ‘I never go anywhere’: Extricating the Links between Women’s Mobility and the Uptake of Reproductive Health Services in Pakistan.” Social Science & Medicine. 60:8 (April 2005). pp. 1751-1765.

Majeed, Javed. “Being Middle-Class in South Asia.” History Workshop Journal. 65: Spring 2008. pp. 247-252.


615 Replies to “Women and Expression”

  1. Do you have a spam problem on this blog; I also am a blogger, and I was wondering your situation; many of us have created some nice procedures and we are looking to exchange methods with other folks, why not shoot me an e-mail if interested.

  2. A fascinating blog with excellent word selections. The research has been done really well and the data has been collected and presented in a format that makes it easy to understand. This blog is very informativesteel pipe fittings

  3. Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to your blog before but after going through many of thearticles I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m definitely happy I discovered it and I’ll be book-marking it andchecking back regularly!

  4. Hi there! I just would like to offer you a huge thumbs up for your great information you have here on this post. I will be returning to your website for more soon.

  5. Having read this I believed it was rather enlightening. I appreciate you spending some time and energy to put this short article together. I once again find myself personally spending a lot of time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it!

  6. You’re so interesting! I don’t think I have read through anything like this before. So nice to discover somebody with original thoughts on this topic. Seriously.. thank you for starting this up. This web site is something that is required on the web, someone with a little originality.

  7. Hi, I do believe this is a great site. I stumbledupon it 😉 I’m going to come back yet again since I book marked it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to help others.

  8. Hi there! This blog post could not be written any better! Going through this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept preaching about this. I will forward this article to him. Fairly certain he will have a great read. Thank you for sharing!

  9. I was excited to uncover this website. I need to to thank you for your time due to this wonderful read!! I definitely loved every part of it and I have you book-marked to see new stuff in your web site.

  10. This is the perfect site for anybody who really wants to find out about this topic. You realize a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I really would want to…HaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a topic that’s been written about for many years. Great stuff, just excellent.

  11. I seriously love your blog.. Pleasant colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself? Please reply back as I’m hoping to create my own personal site and would love to know where you got this from or what the theme is named. Thank you.

  12. Good day! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely delighted I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and checking back often!

  13. When I initially commented I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I receive four emails with the exact same comment. Is there a means you are able to remove me from that service? Cheers.

  14. excellent points altogether, you just gained a brand new reader. What would you recommend about your post that you made some days ago? Any positive?

  15. Pingback: bahis siteleri
  16. An impressive share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a co-worker who has been doing a little homework on this. And he actually bought me breakfast simply because I stumbled upon it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending the time to talk about this subject here on your internet site.

  17. Howdy, I do think your website might be having browser compatibility problems. Whenever I take a look at your site in Safari, it looks fine however, if opening in I.E., it has some overlapping issues. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Apart from that, wonderful site!

  18. I blog quite often and I genuinely thank you for your information. The article has really peaked my interest. I will bookmark your site and keep checking for new information about once a week. I subscribed to your Feed too.

  19. This is the right web site for everyone who wants to understand this topic. You understand so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I really will need to…HaHa). You certainly put a brand new spin on a topic that’s been written about for many years. Wonderful stuff, just great.

  20. May I simply just say what a comfort to find an individual who really knows what they’re talking about on the net. You actually know how to bring a problem to light and make it important. More people should look at this and understand this side of the story. I was surprised that you aren’t more popular given that you certainly possess the gift.

  21. Hi, I do believe this is a great site. I stumbledupon it 😉 I am going to come back yet again since I bookmarked it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to help other people.

  22. Having read this I thought it was very informative. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this short article together. I once again find myself spending a significant amount of time both reading and leaving comments. But so what, it was still worthwhile.

  23. Pingback: 1consent
  24. Hello! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and say I really enjoy reading your posts. Can you suggest any other blogs/websites/forums that go over the same topics? Thanks for your time!

  25. What’s Happening i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It absolutely helpful and ithas aided me out loads. I’m hoping to contribute & assist different customers likeits aided me. Good job.

  26. Right here is the right webpage for anyone who hopes to find out about this topic. You understand so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I really will need to…HaHa). You definitely put a fresh spin on a topic which has been discussed for decades. Great stuff, just wonderful.

  27. Excellent site you’ve got here.. It’s difficult to find quality writing like yours these days. I honestly appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!

  28. Spot on with this write-up, I seriously think this amazing site needs far more attention. I’ll probably be back again to read more, thanks for the information.

  29. Hello! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could locate a captcha plugin for my commentform? I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having difficulty finding one?Thanks a lot!

  30. Having read this I believed it was very informative. I appreciate you spending some time and effort to put this content together. I once again find myself spending a lot of time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it!

  31. Hi, I do believe your web site could be having browser compatibility issues. When I take a look at your website in Safari, it looks fine however when opening in IE, it’s got some overlapping issues. I merely wanted to give you a quick heads up! Besides that, excellent website!

  32. Howdy! I could have sworn I’ve visited this blog before but after browsing through some of the articles I realized it’s new to me. Anyhow, I’m certainly delighted I came across it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back regularly!

  33. After checking out a few of the blog posts on your site, I truly appreciate your way of blogging. I added it to my bookmark webpage list and will be checking back soon. Please visit my website too and let me know what you think.

  34. An outstanding share! I have just forwarded this onto a coworker who had been conducting a little research on this. And he in fact ordered me dinner because I found it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending the time to talk about this issue here on your site.

  35. Right here is the perfect webpage for anyone who would like to find out about this topic. You know so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I personally would want to…HaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a subject which has been written about for ages. Excellent stuff, just wonderful.

  36. An interesting discussion is definitely worth comment. I believe that you need to write more about this subject matter, it might not be a taboo matter but usually people don’t talk about such issues. To the next! Kind regards.

  37. I blog often and I seriously appreciate your information. This great article has really peaked my interest. I’m going to bookmark your site and keep checking for new details about once a week. I opted in for your RSS feed too.

  38. After looking into a number of the articles on your blog, I seriously like your way of writing a blog. I book marked it to my bookmark webpage list and will be checking back in the near future. Take a look at my web site too and tell me your opinion.

  39. Having read this I thought it was extremely informative. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this content together. I once again find myself personally spending a significant amount of time both reading and posting comments. But so what, it was still worth it!

  40. Thanks for every other informative blog. The place else may just I get that type of info written in such an ideal manner? I’ve a mission that I am simply now working on, and I have been at the look out for such information.

  41. I’m usually to blogging and i really recognize your content. The article has actually peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your web site and maintain checking for brand spanking new information.

  42. It is truly a nice and useful piece of information. I am satisfied that you shared this useful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.

  43. Island Post is the website for a chain of six weekly newspapers that serve the North Shore of Nassau County, Long Island published by Alb Media. The newspapers are comprised of the Great Neck News, Manhasset Times, Roslyn Times, Port Washington Times, New Hyde Park Herald Courier and the Williston Times. Their coverage includes village governments, the towns of Hempstead and North Hempstead, schools, business, entertainment and lifestyle. https://islandpost.us/

  44. What makes Sumatra Slim Belly Tonic even more unique is its inspiration from the beautiful Indonesian island of Sumatra. This supplement incorporates ingredients that are indigenous to this stunning island, including the exotic blue spirulina. How amazing is that? By harnessing the power of these rare and natural ingredients, Sumatra Slim Belly Tonic provides you with a weight loss solution that is both effective and enchanting.

  45. What makes Sumatra Slim Belly Tonic even more unique is its inspiration from the beautiful Indonesian island of Sumatra. This supplement incorporates ingredients that are indigenous to this stunning island, including the exotic blue spirulina. How amazing is that? By harnessing the power of these rare and natural ingredients, Sumatra Slim Belly Tonic provides you with a weight loss solution that is both effective and enchanting.

  46. Sumatra Slim Belly Tonic takes pride in its manufacturing process, ensuring that every batch is produced in FDA-approved and GMP-certified facilities. This means that each and every bottle of Sumatra Slim Belly Tonic meets the highest standards of quality and safety. You can trust that you are getting a product that has undergone strict quality control measures and is backed by scientific research.

  47. Glucotrust can also help to reduce food cravings. This is particularly important for those who struggle with overeating or binge eating, as it can help to reduce the urge to eat unhealthy foods and promote healthier eating habits. Overall, Glucotrust is an effective and versatile supplement that offers a range of benefits for those looking to improve their health and wellbeing. Whether you are looking to regulate your blood sugar, lose weight, or support healthy blood pressure, this supplement can help you achieve your goals.

  48. Sugar Defender’s prowess in managing blood sugar is deeply rooted in its exceptional blend of natural ingredients, each playing a distinct role that contributes to the overall success of the supplement. Here are some noteworthy positive impacts of the Sugar Defender Ingredients blend:

  49. Alpilean is a natural dietary formula that has been proven to provide multiple health benefits. In order to experience these benefits, it is important to follow the recommended usage instructions. Unlike other supplements, Alpilean delivers on its promises and delivers results.

  50. Red Boost comes with a 180-day, 100% money-back guarantee, which means that customers have 180 days from the date of purchase to try the product and see if it works for them. Within this time frame, they can ask for a full refund if they are not happy with the results.

  51. Sugar Defender introduces a meticulously curated ensemble of eight key ingredients, each strategically selected to champion healthy blood sugar levels and facilitate weight loss. These ingredients collaborate to enhance the supplement’s effectiveness through diverse mechanisms, including energy elevation, fat burning, and metabolism stimulation, all while providing direct support for maintaining healthy blood glucose levels. Here is an insightful overview of each ingredient along with its purported functionality according to the manufacturer:

  52. Sugar Defender transcends symptom-focused interventions, delving into the root causes of glucose imbalance. It stands as a dynamic formula that seamlessly aligns with the body’s intrinsic mechanisms, presenting a distinctive and holistic approach to enhancing overall well-being. Beyond a mere supplement, Sugar Defender emerges as a strategic ally in the pursuit of balanced health.

  53. С огромной радостью разделяем новостью о релизе новаторской версии мобильного приложения от БК Олимп для Android! Это обновление преобразит ваш подход к ставкам на спорт, делая процесс более гладким и эффективным. Скачать бесплатно Олимп бет и вы получите доступ без труда к огромному выбору спортивных мероприятий, доступных для ставок прямо с вашего мобильного. Расширенные функции управления профилем, интуитивный дизайн для упрощения навигации и ускорение скорости приложения обещают непревзойденный опыт. Присоединяйтесь к сообществу довольных клиентов и наслаждайтесь ставками где бы вы ни находились, в любое время. Установите последнюю версию приложения БК Олимп немедленно и выходите на новый уровень ставок с комфортом и стилем!

  54. The meal went without incident although a couple of times she had to avert her gaze from Dan for fear of bursting out laughing. Dan went up to his room saying he wanted to listen to music, he laid on his bed playing with himself waiting for his father to leave. He thought about the events of the last two weeks it had been the craziest time of his life.

    He put it all down to Mary Harris, she had been his girlfriend for two years, he liked her a lot, she was pretty and intelligent two things that rarely combined in his experience, the problem was she steadfastly refused to let him put his cock inside her, he had thought he was getting somewhere when he took his cock out that evening in the cinema when she had finally allowed him to get his hand inside her panties, it was the first time she had allowed him to do any more than play with her tits. He had taken her hand and placed it on his erection, initially he had been pleased to hear her sharp intake of breath when she felt the size of him and he was encouraged when she began stroking him.

    It was later that the problem started, he had her in the car park, they were kissing, her sweater was pushed up together with her bra and he was sucking on her nipples. He managed to get her laid across the front of one of the cars, his hand up her skirt, trying to pull down her panties. That was when she had stopped him.

    https://haveagood.holiday/users/338341
    https://tubeteencam.com/user/heroice1992/profile
    http://www.babelcube.com/user/dwayne-vance
    https://ellak.gr/user/ducik1982/
    https://www.brollopsguiden.se/medlemspresentation/86256
    https://launchpad.net/~amedomaru19781
    https://haveagood.holiday/users/339373
    https://www.brollopsguiden.se/medlemspresentation/86245
    https://gilfrog1953.micro.blog/about/
    https://www.obesityhelp.com/members/belting1967/about_me/

  55. Искали где копия наушников Airpods PRO? Лучшие беспроводные наушники в Москве. Копия оригинальных AirPods с шумоподавлением по цене 2490 рублей. Проверенные гарнитуры по низким ценам. Быстро доставим по России.

  56. Искали где https://mdou41orel.ru/? Лучшие беспроводные наушники в Москве и области. Копия оригинальных AirPods с шумоподавлением всего за 2490 рублей. Проверенные гарнитуры по приемлимым ценам. Быстро доставим по России.

  57. В поисках где купить копию Airpods PRO в Москве? Лучшие беспроводные наушники в Москве и области. Реплика оригинальных AirPods с активным шумоподавлением всего за 2490 рублей. Надежные гарнитуры по низким ценам. Быстро доставим по России.

Leave a Reply to RogerRuign Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *