An Egyptian woman being beaten and stripped by baton wielding security forces strips much of mythology regarding Arab women being protected and honored rather than subjugated and marginalized in their treatment by male dominated society. It is true that the mother is one of the most respected roles in the Arab home, but how much of this has devolved into an extension of patriarchy versus genuine appreciation for the woman and her mind as well as defined role? Read: - “Egypt Change or Stability – “Brutal Suppression” or Elections” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/egypt-change-or-stability-brutal-suppression-or-elections-by-ambassador-mo/43001 Marginalization has frequently been packaged into something rendered as protection of person or honor of family and society. Women’s role in Arab society is at times rationalized by religion. However, as one grown-up in a Muslim family with an observant mother who also was medical doctor and political/human rights activist, I find no contradiction between Islam and women participating/leading political movements and protests. To the contrary, women may be a better indicator of the health of human and democratic rights in society. Before we go too far and present western democracies as historical ideals in gender equality, it is important to recall that in the US and many European states women’s rights to vote was only achieved within the last hundred years. Women in many Arab societies got the vote not too far behind in historical context. However, the argument of demoting women to a secondary role for their own sake or that of religion has continued to be pervasive in some more “traditional” societies. The beating and groping of women during Arab protests has finally evidenced rather than as a sign of respect for their traditional roles of mother and wife, the marginalization of women has subjected them to being seen as weak, or worse, as accomplices in their own victimization – “they were asking for it.” “Arab Change” and revival will have shown its degree of success by not only how women are treated but also by what role they garner in leading the political process and defining the new society. It is not a right to be given but one inherited by birth regardless of gender and earned by the commitment and too frequently blood and tears shed by women and girls alongside of their male fathers, brothers, sons, husbands and friends. (See Film Report – “Egypt’s Revolution” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/egypts-revolution/28483). By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey Facebook = Become a Fan at “Diplomatically Incorrect” Twitter – Follow us at DiplomaticallyX War Crimes Justice Channel - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/c/war-crimes-justice