In a series of remarks, Secretary of State Clinton has directed international attention to the treatment of women in several different Islamic countries. Despite the great hopes directed toward the 'Arab Spring' movement, it has become clear that the new regimes, which are replacing old dictators, may in some cases be no better, and even possibly worse, in their treatment of women. The organization known as 'The Muslim Brotherhood' - which has had direct influence on Egyptian policy, and indirect influence also, through its political arm known as 'The Freedom and Justice Party' - has stated that it "rejects the candidacy of women or Copts for Egypt's presidency" and other elected offices. But the Muslim Brotherhood is not content with merely removing women's opportunities for political involvement; it is intent on removing many civil rights. Secretary Clinton noted that
recent events in Egypt have been particularly shocking. Women are being beaten and humiliated in the same streets where they risked their lives for the revolution only a few short months ago. And this is part of a deeply troubling pattern. Egyptian women have been largely shut out of decision-making in the transition by both the military authorities and the major political parties. At the same time, they have been specifically targeted both by security forces and by extremists.
Clinton mentioned specific examples of women being harassed, beaten, and assaulted. She called upon the nations of the world to put pressure on Egypt and other Islamic states to give women full involvement in the political process:
Marchers celebrating International Women’s Day were harassed and abused. Women protesters have been rounded up and subjected to horrific abuse. Journalists have been sexually assaulted. And now, women are being attacked, stripped, and beaten in the streets. This systematic degradation of Egyptian women dishonors the revolution, disgraces the state and its uniform, and is not worthy of a great people. As some Egyptian politicians and commentators have themselves noted, a new democracy cannot be built on the persecution of women, nor can any stable society. Whether it’s ending conflict, managing a transition, or rebuilding a country, the world cannot afford to continue ignoring half the population.
Clinton notes that even inside Egypt, that groups like the Copts are voicing opposition to this poor treatment of women. There is perhaps a chance for building a coalition - the Copts in Egypt and the concerned nations of Western Civilization - to support women's rights in Egypt. If traction can be developed on this issue there, then it, like the Arab Spring, might spread to other Islamic nations. Specifically commenting on the enforcement of certain aspects of Islamic law, Clinton said that
Beating women is not cultural, it's criminal and it needs to be addressed and treated as such.
Clinton was speaking partly in regard to what international newspapers are now calling "the girl in the blue bra," an Egyptian woman who was brutally beaten and dragged through the streets by Muslim men.
The U.S. government sends billions of dollars to Egypt every year; Clinton has proposed that Egypt must improve its treatment of women and Copts in order to receive further funding.
