rights and religion Options

[innovation]

certain Islamic Fundamentalist nations currently have legislation that deprive women of social advancement-- for example, they don't allow women to leave the house without their husbands, drive, etc. also, education is not compulsory for girls in some nations. these laws (or lack of laws) have instilled the long-standing impression in some cultures that women are "inferior," thus making them more vulnerable to domestic violence, etc. in addition, they cannot participate political or get jobs; therefore, the nations' economic, social, and political development is stunted!

does the UN have the right to ask them to reevaluate their religious doctrines, keeping in mind the importance of women's rights? can the UN really infringe on their culture/religion like that, when human rights are at stake? help, you guys!

[Spirited Away]

For now my stance is simple:

If women in those countries understand how much better life can be for them but do not mind the status quo, I don't think anyone has the right to interfere as it would be their choice to remain inferior. To intervene would mean taking away their choice. However, those who seek freedom in their lives should be allowed sanctuary and receive support for their cause.

Women in the US who wanted the right to vote didn't just stay at home and nag at their husbands, they protested and spoke out until they were heard and something was done about it. Though this is a dangerous feat for women in countries that do not give a hoot about females, women must sacrifice their safety for a greater cause or else they will get no where.

Yes the UN should help, but only if those women are willing to help themselves. There is, though, an important part of this whole thing: education. If women are not educated about the outside world, as in if they do not understand how things can be better, then they will look at change in a bad light and may not even want it. The UN should at least encourage a law enabling women to attend school.