Women and their roles
Compared to other women in the middle eastern countries, they had many rights
and abilities such as"
- equal pay
- opportunity to work
- drive legally
- uncover their heads
- serve in the army
- on the negative they still suffer from honor killings, human rights
violations, torture, execution and political regression
History of Women in Iraq
- 1920's - 1930's they began working
- 1970's - 1980's were years of economic growth in Iraq, and women
were promoted to obtain higher education and incorporated into the
labour force
- women in Iraq became the most educated and professional in the
entire region and the majority worked outside their home
- women could find and retain jobs, higher education, and receive
extensive medical coverage
- a working Iraq mother receive 5 years of maternity leave
- 1980 women could not vote and run for election
- 1991 Gulf war ended
- women could be sentence to death for economic embargos were
aplied things for women began to deteriorate
Punishment for Women
- committing adultery
- fighting with her husband
- having relationship outside of marriage
- for being raped, because it brought shame on the family
- they were often stoned in public, disabled, disfigured or kidnapped
Belly Dancing
What is belly dancing?
Many experts say that belly dancing is the oldest form of dance, having roots in all ancient
cultures from the orient of India to the Mid-East. Probably the greatest misconception about belly dancing is that it
is intended to entertain men. Throughout history, this ritualized expression has usually been performed for women--generally
during fertility rites or parties preparing a young women for marriage. In most case, the presence of men is not permitted.
Belly dancing is natural to a women's bone and muscle structure with movements emanating
from the torso rather than in the legs and feet. The dance often focuses upon isolating different parts of the body,
moving them independently in sensuous patterns, weaving together the entire feminine form. Belly dancing is generally
performed barefoot, thought by many to emphasize the intimate physical connection between the the dancer, her expression and
Mother Earth.
Belly dancing cutomes are often colorful, flowing garments, accented with flowing scarves
and veils. Finger cymbals (made of brass and known as zills) are common, dating back to 200 B.C. as well as exotic jewelry,
including intricate belts made out of coins that, in earlier days, comprised the family's wealth so that it might be
portable in the event the women needed to move quickly or flee. Other interesting accessories used during the swords,
snakes, large vessels, and even huge candleabras, complete with flaming candles.
In America, belly dancing enjoyed its first significant renown when the famous dancer Little
Egypt performed at the Chicago's World Fair in 1893. Americans found themselves fascinated by the exotic body rhythms
and music, eventually including them in many silent films made just a few years later. Customs and dancing styles were
given a distinctive Hollywood flare and, in turn influenced dancers in the Middle East, thus evolving the art form to a new
level. For example, belly dancing with flowing veils hadn't been documented before the 1900s is now quite popular throughout
the world.
Since the turn of the century, belly dancing has grown enormously in popularity across the
U.S. and worldwide. Belly dancing festivals, workshops, and seminars take place constantly, attracting large audiences
of interestd, involved men and women. Many dancers now study the art from intensively, treaveling to the Mid-East and
elsewhere to experience it where it originated.
http:www.bellydancing.org/about.html
