Why language is important: the politicisation of gender issues in the EWANA region

Main takeaways:

  • Language consciously and unconsciously shapes our thinking and can have an important impact on politics, power-structures, and (in-)equality;
  • Language is not merely a tool for communication but also has a profound influence of societal norms and perceptions, especially regarding gender;
  • Although the backlash against gender equality specifically targets women through its focus on the gender discourse, in reality it is indicative of a trend that has been in place for a longer time, namely, the shrinking space of civil society and increasing pressure on women and minorities in the public space, particularly in the countries of West Asia and North Africa (but these trends can be seen all over the world);
  • Language relating to gender issues is often shaped by those in power but has huge effects on society as a whole;
  • In the case of many languages, for instance Arabic, masculine forms are the default for mixed or unspecified genders, which effects perceived and internalised gender roles;
  • Such gender stereotyping in language and cultural practices of a society can influence real-world attitudes and behaviours towards women and perpetuates gender inequality;
  • While language is important, tackling gendered language can be seen as a luxury as many women face legal and societal barriers that affect their status as full citizens.

The recent years have seen discussions about language usage, especially in the context of gender, all over Europe, West Asia, and North Africa (the EWANA region). The discourses range from identity politics, introducing laws forbidding the usage of certain terms like “gender”, to the fierce discourse within societies about the use of inclusive language. 

Similarly, conversations around gender, including in the context of women’s rights, identity politics, and social discourses, have been used as a means for political gain. This politicisation of gender issues at times forms an obstacle to those who aim to advance the legal, social, and economic equality of women and other marginalized groups. This is a trend that is shared across the EWANA region.

The fourth Maqha Conversation brought together three experts on the topic, Dr. Reham El-Morally, Marieke Fröhlich, and Dr. Ilham Makki Hammadi to discuss this topic from the perspective of their own context: Egypt, Germany, and Iraq, respectively. Their presentations were followed by a lively discussion with the participants. The Conversation, which was titled The power of language: the politicisation of gender discourse in the EWANA region, was held on the 18 of April, 2024. 

Backlash on Gender discourses in the EWANA region

In the case of Iraq, there has been a campaign against organisations that work on advancing the position of women with targeted attacks on researchers and human rights activists. The campaign consisted, among others, out of coordinated social media attacks by bots. In addition, as participants explained, religious people have used homophobic and hateful discourse towards the women, framing the focus on gender issues as something implemented by the West, a discourse that had significant influence.

Furthemore, the backlash against the gender discourse in Iraq can be seen at the level of the government, for example when the Iraqi Communications and Media Commission issued a directive banning the use of the term “gender” in all public communications. This month, April 2024, the Iraqi parliament passed a bill making same-sex relationships punishable with up to 15 years in prison. 

In Egypt, as was discussed during the Maqha Conversation, similar laws that limit rights of women and other minority groups have been introduced. Egypt women, according to  are placed as second and third class citizens. Laws have also been introduced that in a sly manner limit the work of Civil Society, such as law no. 70 of 2017 on Associations.  

In Europe, signs of backlash against gender discourse can also be observed. Such as in the case of Germany, where the province of Bavaria earlier this year introduced a ban on gender inclusive language in public institutions arguing that it is ideologically driven. The law was introduced despite other existing equality laws on inclusive language and research that proves that gender neutral language is more understandable. In a similar vein, the French senate last year initiated a bill to ban gender inclusive language, and in Hungary banned gender studies in 2018. 

Although the examples mentioned specifically target women through their focus on the gender discourse, in reality it is indicative of a trend that has been in place for a longer time, namely, shrinking spaces of civil societies and increasing pressure on women in the public space, particularly in the countries of West Asia and North Africa. In the case of Europe the trend can be seen in the context of a broader increase of support for right-wing movements which are linked to homophobic discourses and other topics relevant to gender such as laws made around abortion. 

Relating to gender issues, the question was thus raised who owns the right to shape language and how it is used. The earlier mentioned examples of laws around the use of language relating to gender issues shaped by power elites, display the immense effects on society as a whole. 

Peace, Gender, and relations between countries of the EWANA region

The discussion also focussed on how the gender discourse affected relations between countries in Europe, West Asia, and North Africa, through the Feminist Foreign Policy, a rather recent trend in foreign policy. This policy aims to advance gender equality, and strives towards feminist peace, meaning a holistic peace. It aims to further gender mainstreaming approaches that have been around for many decades.

Feminist Foreign Policy was first introduced by Sweden in 2014, which it has now abandoned, or at least rebranded their foreign policy efforts without the label feminist. Many countries have adopted similar policies which aim to promote gender equality, and to help improve women’s access to resources, human rights, and political participation. Feminist Foreign Policy has impacted the work of NGOs, as it has motivated increased interest and activities in the field of gender equality projects. 

Relating again to the topic of language and perceptions, the word feminism often has a negative connotation in the Arabic language, creating negative perceptions on projects including the wording. Yet, feminist approaches underline the necessity for flexibility and adaptation to the local needs and contexts in order to make the policies effective. One participant suggested the Feminist Foreign Policy strategy be reframed as  ´gender mainstreaming´, which can be useful.

It should be taken into consideration that Feminist Foreign Policy still exists within a non-feminist international structure, and thus implementation is complex. It is thus important to be aware of the use of language, but also the wider context when speaking of issues related to gender and power (in)equalities.

Portrayal of women in popular culture and the role of language

As has become clear, language consciously and unconsciously shapes our thinking and can have an important impact on politics, power-structures, and (in-)equality. It is used to shape narratives, make people invisible, or include “the other” in certain contexts. Language is not merely a tool for communication but serves as a profound influence of societal norms and perceptions, especially regarding gender. 

With reference to Martha Nussbaum and Judith Butler, participants in the Maqha Conversation probed into the question how media and popular culture depict women, especially in the Egyptian case, and how this affects the behaviour, or ´performativity´ of women in their daily lives. Often, women are dehumanised and portrayed as secondary citizens, or seen through the lens of shame and vulnerability. Women are also portrayed as passive and their role is always related to that of a man. For example two women will not be seen having a conversation with only each other around a topic not including a male love interest in Egyptian literature or tv, which thus blatantly fails at the Bechdel test. 

Furthermore, in the case of the Arabic language, as in many other languages, masculine forms are the default for mixed or unspecified genders, which has historically linguistically erased the presence of women and reinforced the notion that public spaces and discourses are inherently male domains. Gender stereotypes are also reflected in Arabic proverbs and cultural use of religious language (see the paper by Dr. Reham El-Morally below for further information). 

Such gender stereotyping in language and cultural practices of a society can influence real-world attitudes and behaviours towards women, including violence such as honour killings, and perpetuates gender inequality. It also leads to women internalising a certain gender role and reproducing certain norms. Yet, while language is important, as has become clear, tackling language is a luxury as many women suffer from legal and societal barriers that affect their status as full citizens. Key is thus to ensure women have equal access to all their citizenship rights. 

Recommendations:

  • There is a need for new ways to talk about gender issues that take into account the cultural context they take place in;
  • Addressing biases in language use that includes reforming educational curricula to provide more balanced representations, revising media guidelines to discourage stereotypical portrayals, and promoting public discourse that challenges traditional gender roles rather than reinforces them;
  • Create ´third´ spaces and platforms where women and scholars of gender studies can pursue change  together and can talk about shared experiences.

Speakers

Reham El-Morally

Dr. Reham El-Morally is an Assistant Professor in Public Policy and Administration, deeply invested in the intersection of gender and politics in the Middle East. With a foundational education that spans a PhD in International and Rural Development from the University of Reading, an MSc in International Public Policy from University College London, and a BA in Political Science from the American University in Cairo, Dr. El-Morally’s academic journey is distinguished by a relentless pursuit of knowledge that challenges conventional wisdom and fosters inclusive dialogue.

Her teaching philosophy is rooted in challenging Eurocentric narratives and emphasising a global perspective, as well as including community dialogue, which are  mirrored in her research endeavours. Her recent book, “Recovering Women’s Voices and Places in the Patriarchal System,” exemplifies her dedication to exploring Egyptian women’s strategic gender interests within the nation’s unique socio-political landscape.

Ilham Makki Hammadi 

Dr. Ilham Makki Hammadi, an accomplished researcher, and activist with a Ph.D. in Anthropology. Her expertise lies in the areas of human rights and peace studies, with a particular emphasis on women’s rights. With more than ten years of experience in academic research, she has collaborated with several national and international universities and research institutes.

Dr. Hammadi is dedicated to promoting the participation of Iraqi women in peace-building and post-conflict transition processes.

Marieke Fröhlich

Marieke Fröhlich is an intersectional feminist working on issues related to feminist peace, feminist foreign and development policy, and the Women, Peace and Security agenda. She is a Policy Advisor for Feminist International Cooperation & Diversity at VENRO, the umbrella organisation of development and humanitarian NGOs in Germany. Until recently, Marieke was the co-chair of the German section of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF), one of the world’s oldest international women’s peace organisations. Before working in the NGO sector, she was active in research at Rhine-Waal University and the Peace Research Institute Frankfurt (PRIF) in Germany.

Host

Mirjam Schmidt, EWANA Center

Further reading and references mentioned  during the Maqha Conversation:

  • Dr Jan Etienne:
    • “Learning in Womanist Ways: Narratives of First-generation, African Caribbean women” – a study of the nuanced ways in which older ‘West Indian’ women learners interact with each other and with their younger ‘Windrush sisters.’ The publication depicts the value of animated, oral herstories, delivered in vibrant women-only spaces, revealing the benefits of learning in later years.
    • “Communities of Activism: Black women, Higher Education and the Politics of Ref Representation” – explores the role of black women academics and activists, participating in strategies ultimately aimed at decolonizing British Higher Education.
  • Season of the Witch – Capitalism’s Slow March into Egypt’s Genre Entertainment
  • Margot Badran:
    • “Feminists, Islam, and Nation: Gender and the Making of Modern Egypt” – This book provides an in-depth historical analysis of feminist movements in Egypt from the late 19th century through the 20th century.
    • Gender and Islam in Africa: Rights, Sexuality, and Law” – A collection edited by Margot Badran that explores the complex interrelations between gender and Islam across Africa, including Egypt.
  • Deniz Kandiyoti – “Bargaining with Patriarchy” – An influential article by Kandiyoti that discusses the strategies women employ to negotiate with patriarchal norms within various societal structures, including in the Middle East.
  • Nawal El Saadawi:
    • “Woman at Point Zero” – A novel based on El Saadawi’s encounters with a female prisoner in Egypt, exploring themes of oppression, resistance, and societal roles.
    • “The Hidden Face of Eve: Women in the Arab World” – El Saadawi’s comprehensive examination of the lives of women in the Arab world, addressing issues such as sexuality, law, and religion.
  • Qasim Amin:
    • “The Liberation of Women” – A groundbreaking work in the history of modern Egyptian feminism, where Amin argues for educational and social reforms for women.
    • “The New Woman” – A follow-up to his earlier work, focusing on the role of women in nation-building.
  • Leila Abu-Lughod:
    • “Do Muslim Women Need Saving?” – Abu-Lughod critically assesses Western representations of Muslim women and the implications of these portrayals for international development policies.
    • “Veiled Sentiments: Honor and Poetry in a Bedouin Society” – This book provides a nuanced study of gender dynamics within a Bedouin community in Egypt.
  • Nadje Al-Ali:
    • “Secularism, Gender and the State in the Middle East: The Egyptian Women’s Movement” – A comprehensive study of contemporary women’s movements in Egypt and the complex interplay of politics, religion, and gender.
    • “What Kind of Liberation? Women and the Occupation of Iraq” – Al-Ali examines women’s experiences and gender politics in Iraq post-2003 invasion, providing broader insights into gender issues in the region.
  • Naila Kabeer:
    • “Reversed Realities: Gender Hierarchies in Development Thought” – Kabeer challenges conventional development practices and discusses the role of gender in economic and social processes.
    • “The Power to Choose: Bangladeshi Women and Labor Market Decisions in London and Dhaka” – While focused on Bangladeshi women, this book offers valuable perspectives on the economic roles of women from Muslim-majority countries.
  • Sylvia Walby –  “Theorizing Patriarchy” – Walby’s seminal work that theorizes the structure of patriarchy within Western societies, with applicable insights for studies on the Middle East.
  • Mona Eltahawy – “Headscarves and Hymens: Why the Middle East Needs a Sexual Revolution” – Eltahawy’s provocative book argues for a sexual and gender revolution in the Middle East and North Africa.
  • Amal Al-Malki, David Kaufer, Suguru Ishizaki, and Kira Dreher “Arab Women in Arab News: Old Stereotypes and New Media” – This book explores how Arab women are portrayed in Arab media, providing insights into gender norms and media representations.
  • Fatima Mernissi:
    • “Beyond the Veil: Male-Female Dynamics in Modern Muslim Society” – In this influential book, Mernissi analyses the role of sexual ideology in the economic and social status of women in Muslim societies, challenging prevalent Western and Muslim stereotypes about gender roles.
    • “The Veil and the Male Elite: A Feminist Interpretation of Women’s Rights in Islam” – Mernissi critically examines the historical development of Islamic thought and its impact on women’s roles, arguing that the traditional Islamic view on women’s rights has been dominated by a male elite.