I’ve had this open in my browser for over a week, hoping I’d have time to put some analysis into the role religion plays in the treatment of women in each of these countries. I don’t have the time to work on something of this scope right now, so I’m just passing this article along without comment. The ten worst, according to the article, are:
Afghanistan
Democratic Republic of Congo
Iraq
Nepal
Sudan
Mali
Pakistan
Saudi Arabia
Somalia
March 17, 2008 at 11:38 pm
All quotes via wikipedia…
“Religiously, Afghans are over 99% Muslims”
“Christianity is the majority religion in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, followed by about 80% of the population”
Iraq: “Muslim, 97%”
“The main religion of Nepal is Hinduism.”
Sudan: “Approximately 70% of the population adheres to Islam.”
Mali: “Muslim 90%”
Pakistan: “Islam as the state religion.”
Saudi Arabia: “the Qur’an is the constitution of the country, which is governed on the basis of the Sharia (Islamic Law).”
“The Somalis are almost entirely Sunni Muslims.”
… and I’ll end with another quote, from the mighty (and I think Portland-based) Positive Atheism…
To no form of religion is woman indebted for one impulse of freedom, as all alike have taught her inferiority and subjection. – Elizabeth Cady Stanton
March 17, 2008 at 11:56 pm
Thanks Trevor. I’d wanted to do some more analysis, re: state religion vs. dominate religion, etc. But it’s worth at least noting what you’ve noted here.
March 18, 2008 at 10:48 pm
Its all about wealth it lubricates everything usually,insulates everything.
the only real exception is when religion is seeking some static ideal instead of pursueing it dynamically.
In the case of Wahabism it seeks to expunge all abiguity Like calls for balance or seeking guidance oneself are ignored or explained away,Sufism being the opposite puts Guidance ahead of law.abiguity = fear/insecurity = ‘fundamentalism’