Women autonomy in spaces

In the Middle East, segregation is a common practice that divides men and women in public spaces. Influenced by Islam, most cities are designed with segregation in mind, whether it involves malls, airports, or workplaces. However, we are witnessing changes where these spaces are becoming more integrated. This is notably evident in sports clubs in Qatar, where there are options for "mixed classes" and women-only classes within the same facility. While public segregation is less common, cultural norms still influence the design of certain spaces to accommodate those who favor segregation. A prominent example in Qatar is the Liwan school, the first women's school in Qatar, which opened in the 1950s. One distinctive design feature that sets it apart from schools used by men is the exit. The exit is situated on an elevated, sheltered bridge that leads girls directly from the school's assembly to the front of the bus, shielding them from the view of men. The influence of patriarchy on women extends beyond traditions and gender roles, shaping their experiences in both public and private spaces.

In this paper, I will discuss women's empowerment through spaces and analyze two papers: "A Feminist View of the Architecture of the Medina of Fes" by Dr. Fatima Sadique and "The Female Rehabilitation Home in Sharjah: Notes from the Field" by Noor Al Qasami. I will delve into the multifaceted impact of patriarchy on women's lives in various Middle Eastern contexts. I will examine how it affects spaces, ranging from public areas to the most intimate aspects of their homes. In Dr. Fatima's paper, she discusses the role of patriarchy in Fes, Morocco, and how it has led to these segregations with deep-rooted impacts. In my opinion, this context is crucial to study as it illuminates the interplay between tribalism, patriarchy, and spaces. In the second article, Al Qasami uses a women's rehabilitation center as an example that illustrates the link between the effect of the law on women's spaces, how they navigate them, and their empowerment for a different future. This is particularly crucial when examining how spaces can both constrain and guide women along paths constructed by patriarchy.

Due to the influence of Islamic states over the MENA region, segregation plays a significant role in how spaces are utilized, which is evident in both public and private settings. Patriarchy is deeply ingrained in Middle Eastern societies, perpetuating its influences differently in public and private spaces. In the public sphere, it often manifests as gender-segregated settings that limit women's participation in public life. In contrast, within the private sphere, it can manifest in family dynamics that impact women's autonomy. Regarding Dr. Fatima's paper, she discusses different types of cities in the Middle East and their substantial roles in either reinforcing or challenging patriarchal norms. For instance, military and administrative centers tend to prioritize male dominance, posing challenges for women in freely navigating these spaces.

The structural designs of cities can either perpetuate or challenge these norms. Comparing rural and urban spaces reveals interesting differences. In many rural areas, there is a strong sense of community and self-reliance, where women play active roles, whether it's in tending to the land and children or supporting their mothers and siblings, preserving their community, culture, and traditions. In contrast, urban areas, often driven by economic growth, may allow women to be present in the public sphere, but limitations persist on the spaces they can occupy.

This brings us to the concept of hidden or concealed spaces, often used to maintain patriarchal norms, which impact women's autonomy and agency. Whether these spaces are hidden corners within homes or secret meeting places, they can restrict women's access and control over these spaces. This restriction is particularly noticeable in the roles assigned to women as homemakers or "stay-at-home mothers." Being a homemaker categorizes women as "inactive" members in both urban and rural settings, as their role doesn't

contribute to the formal economy. This notion also applies to stay-at-home fathers, where traditional patriarchy defines masculinity by a man's activity.However, the ever-changing world is witnessing shifts in these norms, with more women working to support themselves and their families, challenging traditional gender roles and contributing to a transformation in the dynamics of both public and private spaces.

In Noor Al Qasimi's paper, she provides an example of rehabilitation centers that equip women with skills to generate income and support their families. Rehabilitation centers, educational institutions, and job assistance programs often become battlegrounds where patriarchal norms clash with efforts to empower women. Within these spaces, some initiatives are designed explicitly to challenge traditional gender roles, aiming to offer women opportunities for personal growth and independence. The influence of patriarchy on women's experiences is highly significant, particularly when examining spaces created specifically for women. This effect is evident in the preservation of the "Arab woman" archetype. One notable area where this is apparent is in the realm of pregnancy and women's spaces. Pregnant women encounter unique challenges when navigating both public and private spaces.

Another example within the public sphere is the Stock Exchange banks. The TV series "The Exchange" depicts the struggles of two women working at a Kuwaiti Exchange bank in the 1980s and their challenges in what can be seen as a "boys' club." In the series, we not only observe the psychological hurdles faced by women in the workplace but also how they navigate it differently than men, encountering amenities tailored only for men, which limits women's basic needs in the workspace.

Further exploration of public and private areas is essential, with a focus on understanding spaces specifically designated for women. These spaces can encompass parks, transportation, and workplaces, with the intention of promoting gender equality. The goal of these spaces extends beyond mere segregation; it seeks to exert control over women's autonomy within those areas. These concepts have deep roots in Islam. Places of worship and religious institutions play a pivotal role in shaping women's experiences. While some religious spaces challenge patriarchal norms, others may reinforce them, affecting women's roles and opportunities.

One prominent example is the university in which this paper is written, Hamad bin Khalifa University, whose main campus is a non-segregated institution where men and women coexist, promoting the ideal of equality. It's essential to address the misconception that segregation is universally imposed on women. In some contexts, it is indeed enforced, but in others, particularly in Qatar, many women prefer women-only spaces, feeling more liberated to navigate and move through these environments.

Another major factor prevalent in many Middle Eastern societies is tribalism, which intersects with patriarchy to shape women's access to and autonomy in various spaces. These structures can either provide support or pose challenges to women's empowerment. Tribalism is often mistakenly associated with Islam, but when we examine Middle Eastern and MENA societies, we find that tribalism has always existed among the people. It's a deeply rooted concept in Arab culture that influences our perception of self. Even in the present day, we continue to see the essence of tribalism in our culture. In a way, we are not just representing ourselves, but also our families and tribes.Going further into tribalism, we find that homes and family structures are central to perpetuating or challenging patriarchy. Understanding women's agency within the domestic sphere is essential for comprehending the broader dynamics of gender and spaces in the Middle East.

In the Middle East, patriarchy deeply influences women, entwined with the spaces they inhabit, from public streets to the privacy of their homes. Recognizing this complex interplay is crucial for understanding the challenges women face and the potential avenues for empowerment. As we navigate this intricate landscape, it is essential to acknowledge both the constraints and opportunities for change that exist within these spaces.

In modern times, while we see these spaces coexisting, some areas are still dominated by men. One such example is the "Majlis." In the context of the GCC, a Majlis is a room where men from the community gather to socialize. The concept of a Majlis originated after the time of the Prophet (SAAS), where Majlises were created to exchange religious values among the men of the community. Today, these spaces still exist in

our communities and are predominantly male-dominated. They are marked by a physical space where "no women are allowed," reflecting conversations on law and politics, held by and for men.

Citations

Sadiqi, Fatima. (2006). A Feminist View of the Architecture of the Medina of Fes. University of Fes

Al Qasimi, Noor. (2017). The Female Rehabilitation Home in Sharjah: Notes from the Field. Duke University Press