Women, Power Struggles, Terrorism & Controversy

Today, though women are making gains on some fronts, they are simultaneously being pushed backwards on others. This seesaw phenomenon is worldwide. While women in Afghanistan are risking their lives to run for Parliament, London retailer Marks & Spencer are trying to sell hijabs to little girls! In Afghanistan a record number of women are running for seats in parliament, despite the threat they face at the hands of the Taliban and ISIS. They come from a wide variety of backgrounds, including teachers, doctors and activists. In photos above the Kabul skyline, some portray themselves in makeup and stylish clothes, while others wear headscarves. The voting began October 20. So far, over 170 people were killed or wounded in bombings and rocket attacks. Yet, the voter turnout was higher than anticipated, with women participating at an historic level of 33 percent of the voters. The final results will be released in December. Meanwhile, the London-based retailer Marks & Spencer, took women backwards by starting to sell hijabs in its school uniform section - for girls as young as 3 years old! They claim it’s because schools requested it, but clearly their main motive was profit. The controversy rages - with many boycotting the chain because of its repression of girls and its implication that toddler girls are sex objects who need to be protected. Hear Dr. Carole analyze the complexities of this conundrum.