Women have participated and at times led public protests in many parts of the world recently and in particular the Arab world reflecting yearning for social change, for the rule of law and human rights. Moments of political transition provide a unique opportunity to ensure that women participate equally in public life and that their rights in legal and social systems, including the elimination of all forms of discrimination and violence in law and in practice are addressed. Women have stood together with men in the streets, at the frontline of the struggle for a better future. They have also provided support to the protesters,” said Rashida Manjoo, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences, and also marking the annual “16 Days of Activism to End Violence against Women Campaign,” which runs from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, through to 10 December, Human Rights Day. (See Film Report: - “Women-Politics” -http://diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/womenpolitics/28632 Women Subject to Disproportionate Type and Degree of Repressive Measures: Rashida Manjoo noted that civilians participating in demonstrations calling for change have often encountered different types of violence, with “women paying a high price because political and economic transitions often exacerbate pre-existing discrimination, subordination, and gender-based violence. Women have experienced sexual abuse, inappropriate touching, invasive body searches, as well as insults and humiliation of a sexual nature. Female human rights defenders, including activists and journalists, and women political candidates have been particularly targeted for politically-motivated purposes,” (See Film Report- “Is Sexual Violence Inevitable?” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/is-sexual-violence-inevitable/28641). Existing “Cultural Stereotypes” & “Abuse of Religious and Traditional Practices – Patriarchal Norms” Make Women More of Target During Protests: “So far these acts of violence against women have met with silence from State authorities and impunity for such acts has been the norm. Impunity, coupled with existing laws and practices that discriminate against women, will only encourage more violence against women during and after these phases of transition…The root causes of violence against women in public life are similar to those which underpin violence against them in other sectors of human action. …They include persisting cultural stereotypes, abuse of religious and traditional practices, patriarchal norms, values and societal structures which have historically relegated women to subordinate roles in both the public and private spheres.” The gains achieved through change and transformation cannot be consolidated unless women fully participate in public and political life, without fear of violence, Ms. Manjoo added. (See Film Report: - “Egypt Translating Revolution to Freedom” – diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/egypt-translating-revolution-to-freedom/26146 By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey Facebook – Become a Fan at “Bosnia TV” and/or “Diplomatically Incorrect” Twitter - Follow us at DiplomaticallyX “War Crimes Justice” Channel - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/c/war-crimes-justice




 Top PHOTO - Egypt Protests - Courtesy of "A Celebration of Women" - marketmechanics.com/acelebrationofwomen2011/ Bottom PHOTO - There may be an assumption that women's rights from social role to dress is deeply rooted in tradition - However, the resurgence of "perverse puritanism" is has more recent historic roots. Group of Iranian Women protest imposition of "mandatory jihab" in 1979.(Courtesy PBS.org)