While Muslim men describe themselves as insecure in their harems, real or imagined, Westerners describe themselves as self-assured heroes with no fears of women. The tragic dimension so present in Muslim harems - fear of women and male self-doubt - is missing in the Western harem. Fatema Mernissi assuredescribedimension share on social
Educated women armed with computers have defeated extremists by denying them a monopoly to define cultural identity and interpret religious texts. No extremist can say that women are inferior to men without being made a laughingstock on Al Jazeera. Islam insisted on equality between everyone. Fatema Mernissi armcomputercultural share on social
One cannot understand what's happening to women in the Middle East if they don't realize that the mothers are a strong, progressive force. The mothers push the daughters to get out of the harem, to get the education, to achieve what they could not even dream of. Fatema Mernissi achievedaughterdream share on social
You find in the Koran hundreds of verses to support women's rights, and perhaps four or five that do not. Fatema Mernissi findhundredkoran Change image and share on social
In Morocco, for a woman to earn her own living is the essential concern. Fatema Mernissi concernearnessential Change image and share on social
Morocco is such a beautiful place. It's incredibly beautiful. And also it is captivating place because for a writer, you feel that you make impact. I mean, when I write something in the press, the day after in the fish market, people will be discussing it. Fatema Mernissi beautifulcaptivateday share on social
I was amazed to realize that for many Westerners, Scheherezade was considered a lovely but simple-minded entertainer, someone who relates innocuous tales and dresses fabulously. In our part of the world, Scheherezade is perceived as a courageous heroine and is one of our rare female mythological figures. Fatema Mernissi amazeconsidercourageous share on social
Women are builders of civil society. We are the ones who are going to build it. You know why? We have no choice. Either you shut up, and you are humiliated, or you do what I'm doing. You scream. Fatema Mernissi buildbuilderchoice Change image and share on social
There has been a terrible hemorrhage of educated women to the West where they can flourish. I understand, but it is terrible. We must stay home. Fatema Mernissi educateflourishhemorrhage Change image and share on social
No man could have accepted me because I am too rebellious. It would have been catastrophe. I am too into my own thing. Fatema Mernissi acceptcatastropheman Change image and share on social