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December 9 , 2009
“Can a Man Be a Feminist?”
The course “was a 4-week module,” described one student. “The first week we introduced ourselves to each other. Then in the second week we read about gender issues – Simone de Beauvoir’s The Second Sex – and we discussed the issues and answered some questions. The third week we talked in more detail about gender issues and women’s issues, and we discussed how they differ between the USA and our country. During the last week we talked about what we learned and our experience of participating in this course.” The internet-based course discussions between Ms. Baboun’s students and their American counterparts were designed to push students’ boundaries. As individuals and as a group they were encouraged to critically examine themes of “women as the other, women as the second sex” Ms. Baboun said, as well as the roles culture and religion may play in defining gender expectations.
Students explored the restricted roles women face in Palestine, explained Fida Qunqar (BU ’11), and concluded that gender roles in Palestine are highly influenced by the political situation here. Occupation and conflict, she continued, have created economic and political pressures for men, who in turn may take out those stresses on Palestinian women. And social pressures “to take care of her home and raise her children,” said Suha Yousef Ilkhlayel (BU ’10), cause many young women to express limited interest in their own education. “The last solution we reached during this course,” Fida said, “is that we need to start educating women. Women and men are not at war with each other. They have to work as a team for the same mission – developing the community,” For male course participants, said Omar Abu Hleil (BU ’11), the course convinced them that they are “important in identifying problems women face in Palestine.” And, added Suha, “Men need to know that women have rights to be able to live with women who practice and enjoy their rights.” Still, asked Father Jamal, “can a man be a feminist?” Laughing, Omar replied, “After this course, I think I will be one.” Changing perspectives Asked what they taught students from Champlain University, one student replied, “We changed their ideas about women in our country.” BU students also explained that the limitations Palestinian women face have more to do with Arab culture than with any particular religion. " The way students led the discussion was sophisticated and mature,” said Ms. Baboun. “They kept it balanced, although it was a very sensitive issue. ”Still, commented Dalia Al-Shomali (BU ’11), BU students learned more about themselves than about students from the US. The course highlighted different perspectives among Palestinians from, for example, cities versus villages. It also helped some students gain what they see as a lifelong perspective on gender equality. “I will give my children freedom and not restrict them to the limitations of society,” said Eman Mohammad Al-Khateeb (BU ’10). “I will teach them that women and men are equal in rights and duties.” And any future male colleagues should consider themselves warned: “I will not let them look at me like they are superior to me and I am inferior,” Eman continued, “because I know that there is no difference between me and them.” In the end, Ms. Baboun reflected her sincere appreciation for Champlain College and the Global Module director Dr. Gary Scudder for administering the module. The gender module is part of a number of online modules conducted in cooperation with academic institutions worldwide. For more information, visit the Champlain Global Module website or email Dr. Gary Scudder.
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