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ust because I wear a jilbab (headscarf), it does not mean that I am oppressed, submissive, brainwashed or restrained. I always take pride in my point of view and my independence. I don'€™t just obey. I think and have total control over my freewill. I'€™m a woman and a Muslim. I don'€™t need to brandish my freedom through my body and reveal it to the public.

For these reasons, I find it mind-boggling to see three feminist activists staging a topless protest in Tunisia in support of Amina Sboui, who was jailed after posing topless on her social media site. Bystanders rushed to these girls to cover them only to be vigorously stopped in return. It'€™s outrageous. While their cause is
noble, their tactics are counter-productive and offensive.

We all know that many women are still regularly being oppressed and subjugated, under patriarchal laws under the cloak of religion and culture, be it in the West or East, even in the farthest tip of the African continent. They are excluded from mainstream culture, and considered in second class citizens. They are perceived as property, therefore stripped of their rights and freedom.

 The religion itself is not to blame. It is the sick minds of those who use it as a cover, twisting and interpreting verses to serve their own interests. Religion is used to justify their denigrating acts toward women.

I strongly oppose such misleading conceptions against women. But to do it in a way that is derogatory to somebody'€™s religious beliefs is not right.

How on earth do bare-breasted protests, in front of mosques and diplomatic buildings, allow women to gain freedom and liberty? The way I see it, such tactics only mirror the tactics used by patriarchal laws to oppress women.

I find it ludicrous that many feminists still believe that no Muslim woman could ever choose to wear the veil through her own free will. If a woman walks down the street in a mini skirt and someone calls her a slut, these feminists will be quick to object.  But if a Muslim woman walks down in a veil then many feminists are happy to concede that the veil is patronizing and demeaning, as a religious institution forcing a woman to wear one.

 Therefore, getting naked is absolutely way out of line. Instead of attempting to use reasoned debate, they are opting for shock factor '€” they are doing it to draw attention to greater scandals. They would do better to keep their clothes on and engage in an intelligent way of demonstrating and debating.

As a woman who genuinely believes in gender equality, I want others to appreciate my mind, the way I speak, the way I behave and to respect the way I am trying to gain my rights.

Herlena
Jakarta