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Assignment 11 – Constructing Human Rights

In Lila-Abu Lughod’s essay, “Do Muslim Women Really Need Saving?”, Lughod discusses this idea that Muslim women need to be ‘saved’. Without truly understanding the culture of Afghanistan women, individuals simply target them with biased, stereotypical characteristics. A focus on their standpoints in society, whether it may be political, social, or economic, are not necessarily supported but are judged by many, making it a relevant topic for discussion. Lughod argues the misconception of these women and the fact that the government is to blame, as they are denied of their citizenship rights. The work aims to discuss the issues of Muslim women, such as being forced to wear a veil, or the burqa, which covers the whole body and face. The burqa became views as a ‘liberating invention’, as the women who wore them were given the ability to leave segregated living conditions. The wearing of the burqa, however, carries with it this idea of sanctity and respectability. In the eyes of others, especially in Western thought, the idea of veiling is seen as a ‘lack of agency’ in women. However, it is just the opposite, as veiling is a voluntary act. Women can choose if they wish to wear it and they can also choose who they wish to wear it in front of.

Two points that Lughod highlights in this piece is that, first of all, it is important to stop categorizing veiling as an example of a woman’s “unfreedom”. Each individual is raised in a different social and historical background that shapes their values and understanding of the world around them. Secondly, it is imperative to not limit a Muslim woman’s ability, attitude, or situation down to a single article of clothing. It is important to steer away from this Western ideal on what is deemed as wrong or right. Instead, we must focus on serious issues and actual feminist concerns that go deeper than the simple concept of veiling.